Lee Jong-joo, spokeswoman of the unification ministry, speaks during a press conference at the government complex in Seoul on Feb. 19, 2021. Lee was inaugurated on Feb. 7 as the first spokeswoman of the ministry dealing with inter-Korean affairs since its foundation in 1969. (Yonhap)
The United States consulted with South Korea in advance before attempting to reach out to North Korea recently, the unification ministry said Monday.
Citing a senior official in the Biden administration, Reuters earlier reported that the new US administration has made several behind-the-scenes attempts to reach out to the North, although unsuccessfully so far.
"South Korea and the United States have maintained close consultations and cooperation throughout the overall process of the US policy review on North Korea," Lee Jong-joo, the ministry's spokesperson, told a regular press briefing.
She added that US diplomatic authorities consulted with South Korea in advance before their outreach to the North.
"As far as I am concerned, our government has several opportunities to express our view and consult with (the US) in its policy review on North Korea," she added.
The US is currently undertaking a complete review of its "entire" North Korea policy, which it says will lead to a "new approach" toward North Korea.
The Biden administration has yet to publicly offer any direct message to Pyongyang since coming into office on Jan. 20. (Yonhap)
