New NIS director vows to ease tensions and help open dialogue with N. Korea

New National Intelligence Service Director Lee Jong-seok has pledged to reduce tensions with North Korea while strengthening national security amid ongoing challenges.

In his inauguration speech on Wednesday, Lee highlighted the critical state of inter-Korean relations and emphasized the need to ease military tensions and open dialogue.

He also stressed the importance of advanced intelligence to address regional and global threats, particularly concerning the Middle East and U.S.-China relations.