Date: Monday, July 31, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:34 A.M.

 

1. Minister’s Schedule

Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho began the official work by visiting and paying his tribute at the Seoul National Cemetery at 9 A.M. today.

On August 1, Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting at 10 A.M.

 

2. Vice Minister’s Schedule

On August 3, Vice Minister Moon Seoung-hyun will attend the vice minister’s conference at 9 A.M.

 

3. Q&A

Q) A North Korean publisher, affiliated with the United Front Department of the WPK, recently released a book, blaming South Korea as the world's most atrocious region for human rights violations. What is the Ministry’s take on this?

A) The Ministry has consistently maintained its stance that it does not comment on the North’s propaganda media, however, the book reveals how far off the North is from the universal standards shared by the international community.

Q) North Korea's military parade ended just a few days ago. There were diplomatic events, hosting delegations from China and Russia, whereas some events, such as the Conference of War Veterans, did not take place. Could you comment on your overall assessment of the military parade?

A) From July 25 to 27, Kim Jong Un attended 10 events including the military parade. Overall, North Korea appears to have organized the celebration more as a goodwill gesture with the Chinese and Russian delegations than as an internal political event, sending a message to the outside world of solidarity with China and Russia.

As reported by the North Korean media, North Korea held a large-scale military parade at Kim Il Sung Square on July 27. The Ministry condemns North Korea’s staging of a large-scale show of force following the recent series of ballistic missile launches, despite concerns and warnings of the Republic of Korea and the international community, while ignoring the livelihood of its residents.

In particular, the Ministry expresses its deep regrets that, despite the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement, North Korea continues to pursue nuclear development and maintain a confrontational stance rather than seeking denuclearization and peace.

North Korea must cease its nuclear development and military provocations and take the right path towards a denuclearized, peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula.

Q) You mentioned that Kim Jong Un attended 10 events. While it has not been confirmed that Kim Jong Un hosted a banquet for Russia, he sat down with the head of a Chinese delegation and held a banquet on July 28. Being aware that Kim Jong Un held exclusive high-level talks with the Chinese delegation, does the Ministry still stand by the previous assessment that Russia was granted more favorable treatment than China in terms of protocol?

A) There is no change in the Ministry’s view regarding this event, as stated in the material that has been distributed.