The South Korean government assessed that "the intentions of the two Korean leaders to cease unnecessary military tension-escalating actions were swiftly confirmed," calling the exchange "meaningful progress toward peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula." The remarks came a day after North Korea responded to President Lee Jae-myung's expression of regret over the anti-Pyongyang drone incursion incident, praising it as "the attitude of a frank and bold person."
A Ministry of Unification official told reporters, "The two Koreas have no reason whatsoever to be hostile toward each other, and hostility and confrontation do not help either side."
"Our government will firmly maintain the principle of not engaging in any hostile acts toward North Korea," the official said. "We will consistently pursue the policy of peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."
A day earlier, President Lee said at a cabinet meeting regarding the drone incursion into North Korea, "I express regret to the North that unnecessary military tensions were provoked by the irresponsible and reckless actions of some."
Approximately 10 hours after President Lee's remarks, Kim Yo-jong, director of the General Affairs Department of North Korea's Workers' Party, issued a statement. "Our government considers it highly fortunate and a wise decision for himself that the president personally expressed regret and mentioned measures to prevent recurrence," she said. "Our head of state assessed this as demonstrating the attitude of a frank and bold person."
The Presidential Office, Cheong Wa Dae, said in response, "The government will continue its efforts toward peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula."