By Yoon Sojung
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in held a press conference to mark 100 days since his inauguration.
The press conference was managed in a free, informal mood, without any pre-arrangements regarding questioners or subjects. Speaking to a group of about 250 journalists from both home and abroad, President Moon outlined his policy visions across a wide range of issues, ranging from security and diplomacy all the way to the economy and to society in general.

Most journalists took an interest in issues involving the Korean Peninsula.

President Moon said in his speech on Liberation Day on Aug. 15 that, “The government will do all it can to prevent a war from breaking out.” On Aug. 17, he reaffirmed this faith by saying that, “I am confident to tell you that there should be no war on the Korean Peninsula, ever again.”

“Even if the world imposes stronger sanctions and puts pressure on North Korea, an eventual peaceful resolution will be an international agreement,” said the president.

“Without the consent of the Republic of Korea, no one can make a decision to take military action on the Korean Peninsula,” he said.

President Moon’s will to resume inter-Korean dialogue was also reconfirmed.

He said, “A lot of time and effort will be needed to overcome the isolation over the past 10 years and to reopen talks.” “The mood for talks can be created only when the North stops further provocations,” said the president.

“If the right mood is made for talks, we will be able to consider sending a special envoy to the North to improve inter-Korean relations and to resolve North Korean nuclear issues,” he added.



Regarding Pyongyang’s nuclear missile provocations, President Moon said, “I think North Korea’s development of ICBMs and mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles will mark a red line. The North is nearing that critical point.”

“We need to stop Pyongyang from making further provocations,” said President Moon.

“Should the North again keep making provocations, it will face further, stronger sanctions,” he said.

International media outlets took a closer look at Seoul-Washington cooperation concerning a joint response to North Korea.

When questioned by Paula Hancocks, the CNN correspondent in Seoul, about cooperation between the Korean and U.S. leaders, President Moon said, “We need to lead North Korea to the negotiation table to give up its nuclear weapons, and both Seoul and Washington share a common view.”

President Moon said that, “President Trump intends to put pressure on North Korea by showing his determination.”

“Both Seoul and Washington have enough communication and agreement in this regard,” he added.

arete@korea.kr