Song Young-gil: 'Communication with the U.S., China, Russia and Japan'; Kim Byung-joo: 'Strong Defense'... Cheong Wa Dae Bolsters Foreign Affairs and Security Team

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae has appointed Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Song Young-gil and Kim Byung-joo as special advisers for peace diplomacy and defense policy, respectively, moving to bolster its foreign affairs and security team. Song said he would seek to resume inter-Korean dialogue through communication with neighboring countries, including the United States, China, Russia and Japan. Kim, a former four-star general, emphasized strong defense and expressed his intention to assist President Lee Jae Myung.
After being appointed Cheong Wa Dae Special Adviser for Peace Diplomacy on the 1st, Song wrote on social media, "Resolving strained inter-Korean relations and reopening the door to dialogue is a national task that can no longer be postponed. I will strengthen communication with neighboring countries, including the United States, China, Russia and Japan, and create space for dialogue between the two Koreas once again."
After being appointed Cheong Wa Dae Special Adviser for Defense Policy the same day, Kim wrote on social media, "At this grave time, I have been entrusted with assisting the president on defense policy. In return for the trust you have placed in me, I will set aside personal interests and devote myself fully to the success of the Lee Jae Myung administration and the building of a strong Republic of Korea. Loyalty."
The appointments are seen as a move to bolster the Lee Jae Myung administration's "pacemaker diplomacy" on the Korean Peninsula while responding to recently heightened security concerns involving North Korea.
President Lee Jae Myung has said that, in efforts to resume dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang, U.S. President Donald Trump would play the role of a "peacemaker," while South Korea would support the process as a "pacemaker." Song's pledge to create space for inter-Korean dialogue by strengthening communication with neighboring countries such as the United States, China, Russia and Japan is in line with this diplomatic vision. It is also noteworthy that, as President Lee's approval rating has recently declined, foreign affairs has received relatively favorable assessments. Appointing Song, who has built experience in diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs as well as networks with neighboring countries, is also expected to strengthen the government's diplomatic efforts.
Kim's appointment comes as security concerns involving North Korea have emerged as a political issue following a landmine explosion in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). On the 29th of last month, Kim condemned the North Korean mine, saying, "North Korea clearly violated the Armistice Agreement, and I consider it an act of provocation." At the same time, he pointed out that the mine was believed to have been planted during North Korea's fortification of its border under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, criticizing the administration's response as inadequate. Appointing Kim, a former four-star general who serves as the ruling party's secretary on the National Defense Committee of the National Assembly, is also expected to reinforce the message that the government will continue its peace diplomacy while responding firmly to security issues.
[email protected] Song Ji-won Reporter