Unification minister says review under way for special envoy to facilitate U.S.-N. Korea talks

▲ Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks at a press briefing in Seoul, in this Dec. 19, 2025, file photo. (Yonhap)

unification minister-special envoy

Unification minister says review under way for special envoy to facilitate U.S.-N. Korea talks

SEOUL, Jan. 26 (Yonhap) -- Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said Monday the government is reviewing sending a special envoy to neighboring countries to help facilitate dialogue between the United States and North Korea.

"(The unification ministry) emphasized the need during its policy briefing to the president, and a review is currently under way," Chung told reporters when asked whether the dispatch of a special envoy was being considered.

During the briefing to President Lee Jae Myung last month, Chung proposed appointing an envoy for "peace on the Korean Peninsula" to mobilize relevant countries' help in reopening U.S.-North Korea talks, as well as inter-Korean dialogue.

Chung remarks came after the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper reported Monday that Chung had been appointed as a Korean Peninsula peace envoy and would travel to China and then the U.S.

Chung did not confirm the news report. He instead noted that who should serve as the peace envoy was not an urgent issue, although he added that he is willing to take on the role if entrusted.

The government has said the period leading up to U.S. President Donald Trump's planned trip to China in April will be critical to establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula, depending on whether Trump secures talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Ministry spokesperson Yoon Min-ho also said at a press briefing that the unification ministry is reviewing the appointment of a Korean Peninsula peace envoy with other relevant government agencies, without disclosing other details.

(END)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved