SEOUL'S REMARKS ON N. KOREA'S COMMENT

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The South Korean government has made a response for the first time to a senior North Korean official's derisive remarks about Seoul's efforts to help denuclearization talks between North Korea and the U.S. The government called on the North to refrain from condemning Seoul and respect each other.

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In a statement released last Saturday, North Korea's Foreign Ministry adviser Kim Kye-gwan urged Seoul not to meddle in Pyongyang-Washington relations. The former nuclear envoy used derogatory and disdainful expressions, calling South Korea presumptuous and imprudent. Two days later, Seoul's government expressed regret over the statement, pointing out the two Koreas should respect each other and avoid offensive language.

[Soundbite] LEE SANG-MIN(UNIFICATION MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON) : "In order to develop inter-Korean relations and establish peace, South Korea and North Korea must show respect and avoid offending each other."

Kim's statement is the first message the regime has issued towards Seoul in 2020. It came three days after President Moon Jae-in highlighted his counry's role as a facilitator between Pyongyang and Washington while proposing measures to promote cross border cooperation as well as exchanges during his New Year's speech. The government eventually called for the regime's refrainment, after the apparent rejection of Moon's proposal and continued use of derisive language. There are concerns Pyongyang will likely maintain its policy of excluding Seoul and directly dealing with the U.S., as the regime had no discussions on cross border ties at a recent major party meeting and expressed distrust in South Korea through the latest statement.

[Soundbite] PROF. YANG MOO-JIN(UNIVERSITY OF NORTH KOREAN STUDIES) : "The message shows North Korea's determination to take the lead in handling Korean Peninsula issues. It's also pressuring Seoul, that the regime will maintain its policy of directly addressing Washington if South Korea continues diplomacy that's dependent on the U.S."

The government acknowledged that inter-Korean dialogue has been put on hold since the Pyongyang-Washington summit in Hanoi. But added that it is keeping a close eye on the North's attitude.