Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, second from right, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, second from left, speak before a preparation meeting for the 2026 Ulchi exercise at the government complex in Seoul on Thursday, 6 August 2026. Photo by Asia Today
Aug. 6 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's Foreign Ministry moved Thursday to defuse reports of a dispute with the Unification Ministry after Foreign Minister Cho Hyun described part of the ministry's second-half policy plan as "idealistic."
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that the two agencies were working as "one team," while repeating that government coordination was necessary before announcing proposals involving negotiations with other countries.
A senior Foreign Ministry official met with reporters shortly after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young publicly responded to Cho's remarks.
"Minister Cho instructed us to clear up any misunderstandings," the official said.
