Unification adviser hopes for N. Korea-U.S. dialogue after U.S. midterm election

SEOUL, June 10 (Yonhap) -- Kang Chang-il, vice chair of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC), said Wednesday he hopes Washington and Pyongyang resume dialogue as early as the year-end, following the U.S. midterm elections in November.

"Washington would first need to make a gesture of goodwill, and Pyongyang would then decide whether to accept or not," Kang said at his first press conference since his inauguration.

Kang, a four-term lawmaker and former ambassador to Japan from 2021-22, did not elaborate on what such a gesture might look like, but was not pessimistic.

When pressed on what "sincere" options could be acceptable to North Korea in exchange for movement on nuclear issues, he cited sanctions relief and a peace treaty as possible examples.

Kang was appointed to the post in April following the death of his predecessor and former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan.

The PUAC is a constitutional presidential advisory body tasked with promoting peaceful unification through policy consultation, public consensus building and international outreach. President Lee Jae Myung serves as its chair.

Kang Chang-il, vice chair of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, speaks at a press conference in Seoul on June 10, 2026, in this photo provided by the council. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)