The presidential office has downplayed former Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's prediction of an inter-Korean summit this year.

Presidential spokesman Kim Man-soo told a Thursday news briefing that Chung's comment simply reiterated the government's intent to hold the summit anytime and anywhere without precondition.

Japanese media on Thursday quoted Chung as saying the two Koreas have agreed to hold their second summit.

Kim said, however, that Chung only delivered Seoul's position to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il during his Pyongyang trip and that Kim agreed in principle.