South Korea’s unification minister nominee Lee In-young stated on Thursday that North Korea appears to have left doors open for dialogue with the U.S., despite a deadlock in denuclearization talks.

Top North Korean official Kim Yo Jong’s recent statement — in which she said Kim Jong Un gave her “permission” to obtain DVD recordings of U.S. July 4 celebrations — was the proof, Lee said during a confirmation hearing at Seoul’s National Assembly.

“While leaving room for dialogue, [Kim Yo Jong] was also implying that she’s the channel for such dialogue,” Lee