(LEAD) Unification ministry defends N. Korea policy after Lee's call for caution

Seoul, August 6 - The unification ministry is maintaining its commitment to peaceful coexistence with North Korea, despite President Lee Jae Myung's warning for patience. The ministry's statement emphasizes the importance of making continuous efforts to create opportunities for peace, even in challenging circumstances. This comes in response to the president's cautious remarks during a policy briefing, in which he suggested the ministry's proposal to drop the "main enemy" label for North Korea may be seen as a cry that goes unanswered.

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young defended the ministry's peace initiative, stating that President Lee has supported the effort and urged for patience. However, there are concerns that the government's approach may be perceived as too dovish towards North Korea, which has shown no signs of softening. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun expressed skepticism about the ministry's initiatives, calling them idealistic, while acknowledging that changing the reality requires idealism. The ministry insists that its approach is practical and realistic at this moment.