South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Thursday that his administration will work to improve relations with North Korea based on cooperation with the United States, but acknowledged that dialogue with Pyongyang looks difficult for now, EDnews reports, citing Yonhap News Agency.

Speaking at a press conference marking his first month in office, Lee emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation with Pyongyang.

"We should improve relations with North Korea based on fixed coordination with the United States," he said. "Completely cutting off dialogue is a foolish act."

While acknowledging the challenges of resuming talks due to longstanding hostility and distrust, Lee expressed hope that Seoul's recent suspension of anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts near the border could open the door to renewed engagement.

"When we decided to suspend the loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea, I was concerned about how quickly -- or even whether -- they would respond. But (the North's) response was very swift and exceeded expectations," he said.

Addressing recent discussions about potentially renaming the Ministry of Unification, Lee said the idea may stem from efforts to reduce misunderstandings by the North, which could perceive the concept of unification as implying absorption by the South.

"As our Constitution states, we pursue peaceful unification," he said. "This is not about absorption. Who would willingly accept being absorbed?"