The presidential office said President Lee Jae-myung's description of a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone as an "unexpected accident" was made "in the context of consoling wounded soldiers," after the remark at an Armed Forces Day ceremony drew criticism.
Sung Ki-hong, senior presidential secretary for public communication, said on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show" on the 2nd that the president's use of the phrase "came in the context of consoling soldiers who were seriously injured in the accident and encouraging and comforting their families." He added that "the president holds the view that those who have made exceptional sacrifices for the country must be exceptionally compensated," and that "the message in his Armed Forces Day address was delivered with that intent."
Asked by the host whether this meant the government was not seeking to absolve North Korea of responsibility, Sung said, "That is correct," stressing that "our resolve to take necessary measures sternly, based on the results of a thorough investigation, has not wavered in the slightest." Asked whether corresponding measures were also under consideration, he said the government was "reviewing necessary measures."
On criticism that the U.S. side had unilaterally announced South Korean investment in Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG), Sung said, "In fact, no such investment commitment exists in the agreement reached between the two countries." He added that "because the U.S. side spoke of it as if it were a done deal, Industry and Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan lodged a protest with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick," and that "Secretary Lutnick expressed regret, saying something to the effect of 'we will actually do that' so as not to cause undue concern."
Asked about vacancies in posts including the head of the public prosecution office launching officially that day, as well as the justice minister and the national police chief, Sung said the appointments "will proceed in order and according to procedure before long."
On Ha Joon-kyung, the new senior presidential secretary for policy, Sung said he was "the right person to devote considerable energy to making three major social policies — housing, jobs and financial support for low- and middle-income households — substantive, so that the warmth of macroeconomic growth can seep through to ordinary households while the overall economic policy direction is maintained."
Regarding Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, who has offered to resign, Sung said, "The judgment on whether to replace the chief of staff is a highly important decision," adding, "Please understand that the president is deliberating and giving it careful thought."
