▲ Unification Minister Chung Dong-young (R) shakes hands with U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk at the government complex in Seoul on May 13, 2026, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

unification minister-UN envoy

Unification minister, U.N. human rights chief discuss inter-Korean ties, humanitarian issues

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Chung Dong-young met with U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk to discuss human rights issues and Seoul's efforts to improve ties with Pyongyang, the ministry said Wednesday.

During the closed-door meeting, Chung identified the issue of families separated during the 1950-53 Korean War as the "most pressing" humanitarian concern between the two.

The minister also noted North Korea's stated interest in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities and women, reaffirming Seoul's commitment to cooperating with Pyongyang on those fronts.

For his part, Turk outlined the United Nations' ongoing efforts to monitor human rights conditions in North Korea and expressed the agency's readiness to engage with Pyongyang in areas where the North has shown receptiveness.

Earlier in the day, Turk met with Prime Minister Kim Min-seok at Kim's office, describing South Korea as an important strategic partner and expressing hope to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting he also expressed his interest in North Korea's human rights issues, such as the issue of those kidnapped and held by the North, saying his office will play necessary roles.

Turk arrived in South Korea on Tuesday for a three-day visit. He is the first U.N. human rights chief to pay an official visit to the country in 11 years.

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