South Korea must continue to create the conditions for dialogue with North Korea despite Pyongyang’s “cold attitude,” President Lee Jae-myung said on Thursday, arguing that easing tensions and promoting U.S.-DPRK diplomacy remains in Seoul’s interest even in the absence of progress.

Lee made the comments at a press conference in Seoul to mark his first 100 days in office, responding to a question about whether the ROK can facilitate U.S.-DPRK diplomacy at the upcoming APEC summit 

“North Korea’s attitude is cold. That is our reality,” he said, calling it unrealistic to expect North Korea to change its stance quickly.

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