Prime Minister Kim Min-seok receives suggestions from Korea Enterprises Federation Chairman Sohn Kyung-shik during a luncheon meeting and briefing on K-Government Briefing Session held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on February 26 2026.2.26 / News1

South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated on February 26 that relations with North Korea are poor. He said that relations with North Korea are not good. It said that South Korea should get along well with the U.S., Japan, China, Russia, and North Korea, but the situation in terms of words and perceptions is, in a way, the worst since liberation.

He made these remarks during a K-Government Briefing Session for members of the Korea Enterprises Federation at a Seoul hotel.

Kim noted that in the past, despite the conflicts, they referred to them as one Korean nation. Now, they view South Korea as a completely separate country, an enemy.

He added that nevertheless, it has managed to prevent further conflicts and escalation of tensions, and it will continue to do so.

Earlier, according to the North Korean Workers' Party's official newspaper, <em>Rodong Sinmun</em>, Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the party, dismissed the current South Korean government's outwardly conciliatory stance as a clumsy deception and a poor performance, declaring that they would "permanently exclude South Korea from the category of its kin.

The Prime Minister also exchanged views with business leaders on domestic and international economic conditions and the overall business environment. He stressed that as uncertainties grow both at home and abroad, the public-private partnership system, One Team Korea, is more crucial than ever.

He shared key national achievements, outlined the government's operational plans for 2026, and promised active support to help businesses maintain growth and stability.

Companies affiliated with the Korea Enterprises Federation expressed gratitude for the government's efforts to revitalize the economy and boost corporate vitality. They requested ongoing institutional improvements and policy support to facilitate smoother business operations amid increasing global economic volatility.

The meeting included prominent figures such as Sohn Kyung-shik, Chairman of the Korea Enterprises Federation; Park Seung-hee, President of Samsung Electronics; Lee Hyung-hee, Vice Chairman of SK; Jung Sang-bin, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company; Cha Dong-seok, President of LG Chem; Go Jeong-wook, President of Lotte Corporation; Lee Hee-geun, President of POSCO; Lee Tae-gil, President of Hanwha; Jung Yeon-in, Vice Chairman of Doosan Enerbility; Jang-Han Rhee, President of Chong Kun-dang Pharmaceutical Corporation; Choi Byung-oh, Chairman of Fashion Group Hyungji; Park Jin-sun, President of Sempio Foods Company; and Moon Shin-hak, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The government plans to carefully review the various opinions and suggestions presented during the meeting and actively incorporate them into future economic and industrial policy formulation and corporate support initiatives.

South Korea's Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated on February 26 that relations with North …

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