Lee Jong-seok, the nominee for director of the National Intelligence Service, said on the 19th, "If given the opportunity to serve as the director of the National Intelligence Service, I will first contribute to building a steadfast and unwavering peace."
The nominee stated during his opening remarks at the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing held that morning, "I understand that the president's intention in entrusting me with this great responsibility is to create a safe and peaceful Republic of Korea and to actively support practical diplomacy centered on national interests, safeguarding our national interests amid trade challenges."
He identified 'building peace' as the primary mission of the director of the National Intelligence Service.
The nominee emphasized, "I believe that peace is enhanced by a strong defense and dialogue negotiations based on it, which function like two wheels in a virtuous cycle."
He added, "I have strived to find the correct answers by adhering to practical facts as my motto, and if I take on the position of director of the National Intelligence Service, I will seek pathways to protect national security while maximizing national interests and contributing to peace."
The nominee also stated, "I will do my utmost to support the success of the new government's vision for foreign and security policy, which prioritizes practical diplomacy centered on national interests."
The nominee remarked, "My long-held belief is that our foreign and security policy should be pursued to create an external environment conducive to national security and prosperity," adding, "At a time when countries around the world are prioritizing their own interests and engaging in economic warfare, I will leverage the intelligence capabilities of the National Intelligence Service to identify national interest maximization points first."
He continued, "I will develop the National Intelligence Service into an organization that works more efficiently and produces results, to fulfill any responsibility entrusted by the nation and its people," and added, "By strengthening our core intelligence-gathering capabilities regarding North Korea, I will contribute to building peace on the Korean Peninsula and actively support overseas intelligence collection, analysis, and proactive security activities to enhance national interests."