The Unification Ministry said Friday that the Park administration's North Korea policies must continue despite the Choi Soon-sil political scandal.

Ministry Spokesman Jeong Joon-hee made the remark during a regular briefing when asked if there would be changes to related policies if prime minister-designate Kim Byong-joon takes charge of state affairs.

The spokesman said considering the gravity of North Korea's provocations, Seoul's policies held until now should be maintained even if changes occur within South Korea.

Jeong explained the current policies are based on the president's trust-building process combining dialogue, exchanges and sanctions in order to induce change from the regime.

He said the balance between dialogue and sanctions has inevitably tipped toward sanctions in the present situation, adding that the stance will not change.