Next day, a spokesman for the Ministry of Unification held a briefing to support Hong's assertion.

Minju Joson Friday says in a commentary in this regard:

The DPRK can never remain an onlooker to the assertion made by the Ministry of Unification against unification by federal formula.

Such assertion represents the stand of the south Korean authorities, rather than stands of individuals such as the minister and spokesman.

The June 15 joint declaration was the only one agreed upon between the north and south over the method of reunification in the history of national division. Therefore, the declaration enjoyed support and welcome of all Koreans and the international community.

The south Korean conservative ruling forces' above-said assertion is enough to guess what is the "unification" touted by the south Korean authorities.

In another words, it goes to clearly prove once again what they seek is nothing but "unification by absorption" and "unification of social systems".

The stand on the reunification by federal formula is a touchstone distinguishing reunification from division, and peace from war.

If the south Korean authorities have a sincere will to respect all the agreements between the north and the south including the June 15 joint declaration, they should drop the ambition for "unification by absorption", the product of confrontation with compatriots, and make a decision to opt for realizing the reunification by federal formula.