▲ 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)
▲ Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) talks with U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk (L) at the government complex in Seoul on May 13, 2026, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) unification minister-UN envoy

(LEAD) U.N. human rights chief meets with S. Korean officials to discuss North Korea

(ATTN: CHANGES headline, lead; RECASTS; ADDS photo, details in paras 1-3, 7-8)

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk met with senior South Korean officials Wednesday to discuss human rights conditions in North Korea and other pressing concerns.

Turk, who arrived the previous day for a three-day visit, is the first U.N. human rights chief to make an official visit to the country in 11 years.

In a closed-door meeting, he met with Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, addressing human rights issues and Seoul's efforts to improve ties with Pyongyang.

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.

Following his meeting with Chung, Turk also met with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and his office, discussing human rights issues spanning artificial intelligence, North Korea and the Middle East, according to the ministry.

Turk praised Seoul's contributions to and leadership in human rights, vowing to sustain close cooperation with South Korea. He also expressed concern over human rights conditions in North Korea and stressed the international community must continue working together to bring about meaningful improvements.

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.

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