(LEAD) Unification minister calls for end to 'main enemy' term for N. Korea

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young has proposed dropping the term "main enemy" when referring to North Korea, instead using the country's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). This proposal is part of the ministry's efforts to foster peaceful coexistence with Pyongyang. Unification Minister Chung made the suggestion during a briefing at Cheong Wa Dae, emphasizing the need to change the South Korean government's tone and language towards North Korea.

The current usage of "North Korea" by South Korea is rooted in the 1991 Inter-Korean Basic Agreement, which does not recognize the two Koreas as separate entities. However, Chung believes that the term "main enemy" has contributed to a "chilling situation" in inter-Korean relations and proposes using the term "threat" instead.

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