Minister nominee says he's open to visiting North Korea as special envoy

Unification Minister nominee Kwon Young-se / Yonhap

The nominee to serve as South Korea's new point man on North Korea said Thursday he will "positively consider" a push for visiting Pyongyang as a presidential envoy to meet leader Kim Jong-un.

Speaking to lawmakers during his confirmation hearing, Kwon Young-se, a veteran politician tapped as unification minister, said he will discuss the issue with the other members of President Yoon Suk-yeol's national security team, after assuming the post.

"Whether it's in the form of a special envoy or anything else, I personally hope to have an opportunity for candid talks on improving inter-Korean relations, including denuclearization, after considering relations between the Koreas," he said.

His message adds to speculation that Yoon of the conservative People Power Party, who has signaled a "principles-based" tough approach toward the nuclear-armed North, may seek to send a special delegate there in a bid for a breakthrough in frosty inter-Korean relations. Even if the Yoon government offers to send a special envoy to Pyongyang, it is uncertain whether the reclusive Kim regime will accept the proposal, given its years-long refusal to resume dialogue.

Regarding Yoon's comments during his campaign of a possible need for a preemptive strike against the North, Kwon made clear this was not an option to be sought hastily due to several realistic constraints.

"We will first (try to) bring them to dialogue before talking about regime stability or economic assistance," he said.

Taking office earlier this week, Yoon stated he will offer an "audacious plan" to help improve the North's economy if the reclusive country takes steps to abandon its nuclear weapons. (Yonhap)