South Korea’s Unification Ministry unveiled a major reshuffle on Tuesday, marking a step forward as it aims to revive inter-Korean dialogue and boost economic cooperation with North Korea. In particular, the reform focuses on restoring the Office for Inter-Korean Dialogue and creating new bureaus for economic and cultural exchanges.
The ministry announced that it will reinstate the Office for Inter-Korean Dialogue, which was downgraded under the previous administration. Consequently, this office will manage inter-Korean talks, restore communication channels, and oversee transit projects between the two Koreas. Officials said the move will help institutionalize and regularize dialogue.
In addition, the ministry plans to expand its staff to 600, hiring 67 new personnel. This expansion is necessary because it counters the 81 positions cut under former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s downsizing initiative. The expansion reflects the administration’s intent to strengthen inter-Korean cooperation.
The Kaesong Industrial Complex will resume operations after nearly a decade-long closure. Furthermore, a newly formed Peace Cooperation Zones Promotion Bureau will oversee Kaesong and develop other inter-Korean economic zones. The ministry aims to create a sustainable economic community along the Korean Peninsula.
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said the government will first restore the Kaesong Industrial District Foundation to facilitate the complex’s reoperation. He also emphasized that the revival represents a commitment to peace and shared growth.
Meanwhile, the ministry will reduce its focus on human rights by dissolving the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Office. Its functions will merge into a Social and Cultural Cooperation Bureau, with a smaller human rights division. Nevertheless, this bureau will still support civilian exchanges, separated families, abductees, and defectors.
The reshuffle also introduces the Peace Exchange Office, tasked with promoting humanitarian, environmental, and climate cooperation with North Korea. Officials added that the office aims to prepare for a peaceful, shared future on the peninsula.
The Unification Ministry will formally issue a legislative notice on Wednesday and complete the reorganization in early November. Meanwhile, experts say the reshuffle signals a strategic pivot toward reconciliation and pragmatic inter-Korean engagement.
Overall, the reform highlights the administration’s priority of restoring dialogue channels and fostering economic and cultural cooperation. By reviving the Office for Inter-Korean Dialogue and related initiatives, South Korea seeks to stabilize relations and encourage long-term regional peace.
