Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok says the government is taking a proactive approach to North Korea's nuclear standoff.

In a radio interview Friday, Lee 이 denied that South Korea is looking to separate its North Korea policies from those of the United States.

He said a more proactive approach is needed given the limitations of the U.S. role and Washington's awareness of Seoul's openness to assume a bigger role in resolving the standoff.

On if the matter was discussed in a government meeting before President Roh Moo-hyun's three-nation tour, Lee said Seoul reached a consensus on the policy before the meeting.

He also denied speculation that former President Kim Dae-jung will go to Pyongyang as a special envoy.