Lee Jae-myung’s cabinet appointments reflect a desire for renewed dialogue with North Korea, but with Pyongyang emboldened by Russia and disinterested in reunification, diplomacy faces steep geopolitical headwinds.

Kim paid public tribute to North Korean soldiers killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine, part of an effort to cement the two countries’ strategic defense pact.

Exports of luxury goods to North Korea are banned under U.N. sanctions but such items reportedly make their way into the country via diplomatic pouches.