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Kim Byung-gi, floor leader of the Democratic Party, speaks during a policy coordination meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on November 20. / Photo by Song Eui-joo

The Democratic Party on Thursday urged North Korea to promptly return to dialogue, following a recent incident in which some 30 North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL).

At a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly, DP floor leader Kim Byung-gi stressed that the core purpose of inter-Korean talks is “to prevent accidental clashes.”

“If the North has something to say, they can say it at the dialogue table,” Kim said, noting that South Korean forces issued warning shots after detecting the MDL violation. “The goal is to block any misunderstandings or conflicts that threaten peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.”

Kim added that the talks could become “an important starting point” in thawing the frozen inter-Korean relationship, which has remained stagnant for three years.

Turning to President Lee Jae-myung’s recent overseas trip, Kim said Seoul’s “national-interest-centered diplomacy is producing tangible achievements.”

He highlighted strengthened cooperation under the “special strategic partnership” framework and cited expectations of around $35 billion in economic impact, including $15 billion in AI-related investments, alongside participation in the UAE’s Stargate Project.

“This demonstrates Korea’s status as an AI semiconductor powerhouse,” he said. “The Democratic Party and the Lee administration will take full responsibility for delivering concrete, visible results in the economy, security and diplomacy.”

Kim also commented on the recent ferry grounding accident off Sinan County.

“It is truly fortunate that all passengers were safely rescued,” he said, thanking the Korea Coast Guard for its calm response. He noted that President Lee ordered the immediate disclosure of rescue updates and that Interior Minister Kim Min-seok coordinated rapid deployment of equipment.

“The DP will closely follow up on the well-being of those rescued and work with the government to fully uncover the cause of the accident,” he added.