Han Ki-ho, a professor at the Ajou Institute for Unification, said the change reflects the current administration's greater emphasis on inter-Korean exchanges than North Korean human rights.

"Those who pursue peace should be able to speak comfortably and without tension about North Korean human rights, and those working on North Korean human rights also need to set aside their discomfort toward discussions on peace," he said.

Han suggested the new center should consider developing distinctive content independent of political influence.