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2w ago

New Unification Minister Chung Dong-young Inaugurated With Urgent Call to Restore Inter-Korean Ties

After inspecting Panmunjom’s South Korean facilities, Chung has set reopening six-year-suspended communication channels as his top mission.

This July 14, 2025, file photo shows new Unification Minister Chung Dong-young attending a parliamentary confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul as a minister nominee. (Yonhap)
New Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (L) shakes hands with U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson during Ahn's inauguration ceremony held at the defense ministry in Seoul on July 25, 2025, in this photo shared on Brunson's X account. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Image
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back (R) attends his inauguration ceremony held at the defense ministry in Seoul on July 25, 2025, in this photo provided by his office. U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson (2nd from R) also attended the event. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Chung Dong-young was sworn in as the first Unification Minister under President Lee Jae Myung during a ceremony in Seoul.
  • During his Panmunjom visit, he inspected South Korean facilities that have hosted over 370 rounds of inter-Korean talks since 1971.
  • He declared reopening communication lines with North Korea and resuming dialogue suspended six years ago to be urgent priorities.
  • Chung pledged to partner with the U.N. Command to transform Panmunjom into a hub of connection and cooperation.
  • He emphasized that rebuilding the Unification Ministry’s reduced workforce must come before any renaming effort.