Yoon says he doesn't want change status quo changed by force in N. Korea

SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk-yeol said Wednesday that South Korea cannot provide North Korea with security guarantees, but he does not want the status quo changed "unreasonably or by force."

The remark, made in a press conference marking his 100 days in office, was seen as yet another olive branch to Pyongyang, days after he unveiled what he described as an "audacious" offer to rebuild the North's economy if the regime takes substantial steps toward denuclearization.

"Guaranteeing regime security is not something the Republic of Korea government can do," Yoon said, using South Korea's official name. "But neither I nor the Republic of Korea government wants the status quo changed unreasonably or by force in North Korea."

During his Liberation Day speech on Monday, Yoon laid out the details of his "audacious plan" to significantly improve North Korea's economy through massive aid and infrastructure projects in the event it takes serious steps to denuclearize.

kdh@yna.co.kr
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