President Lee Jae Myung (second from left) on July 10 chairs his first meeting of the National Security Council at the Office of the President in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District. To the left is Office of National Security Director Wi Sung-lac and on the right is Chief of Staff to the President Kang Hoon-sik. (Office of the President)

By Kim Hyelin

President Lee Jae Myung on July 10 said, "We must strive to restore disconnected inter-Korean ties," adding, "Peace and coexistence between both Koreas are the most realistic and practical options for our security."

He said this while chairing for the first time as president a meeting of the National Security Council at the presidential office, his spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told a briefing.

"Shaky national security will lead to the collapse of the economy and lack of safety in our daily lives," President Lee added. "Let us gather wisdom to protect the lives of the people."

"National security is always more about prevention than retroactive response," he said. "We must comprehensively assess not only changes in the turbulent global order, but also our own political situation and the North Korean variable that reflects the unique traits of the Korean Peninsula."

"All relevant ministries must unite to prioritize national interests and strive toward peace, practicality and public safety."

The meeting began at 4:40 p.m. and lasted two hours and 10 minutes. Spokesperson Kang said participants reviewed major issues in national security expected to arise in the second half of this year and discussed responses.

kimhyelin211@korea.kr