MOON EXTEND CONDOLENCES OVER OFFICIAL’S DEATH

[Anchor Lead]

President Moon Jae-in has for the first time publicly remarked on the fatal shooting of a South Korean government official by North Korean troops. He has been criticized by the opposition camp for failing to comment on the tragedy until now. Moon extended deep condolences to the bereaved family and apologized to the public for the incident. He also urged North Korea to restore the military communication line so the two Koreas can resume talks.

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President Moon Jae-in started his weekly meeting with his aides by saying that a regrettable and unfortunate incident took place.

[Soundbite] PRES. MOON JAE-IN : "Regardless of how the victim ended up in North Korean waters, I would like to express deep condolences and offer consolation to bereaved family members."

He said that regardless of the reasons, the government was very sorry and promised to enhance its duty of safeguarding the public. He also took note of North Korea's statement as having particular significance. Moon said a direct apology from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is highly unusual and reflects his intention to avoid the situation from escalating further.

[Soundbite] "It shows Chairman Kim also regards the incident seriously and doesn't want a breakdown in inter-Korean ties."

The president also stressed the need for inter-Korean dialogue. Moon emphasized the need to get to the bottom of the incident and for the two Koreas to jointly explore substantive ways to prevent a recurrence. He also voiced hope the tragic event will eventually turn into an opportunity to resume dialogue and cooperation. He first asked Pyongyang to restore the military hotline between the two Koreas. He made a similar call while chairing a security-related ministerial meeting on Sunday.

[Soundbite] "The two Koreas must be able to communicate via the hotline during contingencies to prevent a military clash or unpredictable accident. We can also cooperate in rescue efforts in the event South or North Korean citizens and vessels are stranded out at sea."

President Moon said a history of confrontation must end and the minimum threshold to maintaining peace must be defended by all means.