Date: Monday, October 30, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.

 

1. Unification Ministry’s Stance on the outcomes of the FATF Plenary

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) reaffirmed North Korea for the 13th consecutive year as one of the high-risk jurisdictions for its money laundering at the plenary held in Paris from October 23 to 27.

According to the Panel of Experts disclosed on October 27 by the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee on North Korea, the amount of crypto assets stolen by hackers from North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau increased to more than $1.7 billion (2.3 trillion KRW) last year, tripling the previous year.

As such, North Korea’s stealing of illicit funds to finance its regime and WMD development is becoming increasingly bold in its methods and scale.

The key to revolving all issues on the Korean Peninsula, including the denuclearization of North Korea and the promotion of human rights, lies in disconnecting the flow of ‘black money’ to the Kim Jong Un regime.

The Government will continue to actively work with the international community to prevent North Korea’s sanctions evasion and illicit financing activities.

 

2. Minister’s Schedule

Today at 7 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho had a breakfast meeting with senior pastors at the Far East Broadcasting Company, and he is attending the cabinet meeting from 10 A.M. Minister Kim will meet with members of the Korea-Germany Parliamentary Group at 3 P.M.

On October 31, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the address by President Yoon Suk Yeol proposing the Government’s budget plan for 2024 and plans for fiscal operations, held at the National Assembly.

On November 1, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend a forum co-hosted by the Unification Ministry and the Korea Institute for National Unification themed on the future of North Korea’s economy and deliver opening remarks.

On November 2, at 5 P.M., there will be an event to celebrate the 27th anniversary of the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation, and the Minister’s congratulatory remarks will be delivered by Vice Minister Moon Seoung-hyun on his behalf.

On November 3, at 11:30 A.M., Minister Kim will attend a festival to raise awareness on unification held at the Center for Unified Korean Future in Yeoncheon-gun to deliver remarks. At 4 P.M., the Minister will visit newly renovated Planning and Coordination Office, which has adopted a smart office environment.

 

3. Q&A

Q) As Mr. Kim Byeong-do, who was abducted to North Korea in the 1970s and returned to South Korea, recently passed away, the role of the Abductees Response Team, which was established last month, and the Abductees Response Committee have been in the spotlight. Could you explain the efforts that the Unification Ministry is making to resolve the abductees issue?

In addition, could you confirm a report that the Abductees Response Committee will be convened in November?

A) Yesterday, the policy advisor to the Minister of Unification traveled to Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do to pay his tribute to Mr. Kim Byeong-do. The Ministry is considering various feasible measures regarding the issue of abductees. We will let you know as soon as they are finalized.

I will check first and let you know for your second question.

Q) North Korea had announced to launch a military reconnaissance satellite by October. Are there any related developments so far?

Secondly, have there been many cases of North Korea making announcements through the KCNA and not implementing them? Do you consider it a common occurrence?

A) Regarding North Korea’s satellite launches, we are not aware of any unusual activities.

We may be able to find some cases of North Korea not carrying out its words if we narrow the scope to ‘satellite launches.’ However, as far as I remember, there have been many other cases in inter-Korean relations that the North has not implemented what it had openly announced.

Q) How does the Unification Ministry analyze the fact that North Korea has yet to launch a satellite in October as it had publicized?

A) I will not make any particular assessment or analysis of what North Korea made an announcement but has not followed through on. The North simply did not pursue what should not have been done in the first place.

Q) Are there any updates on the recent defection that Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho mentioned during the inspection of state administration? According to the minister, the four people confirmed that there was a serious food shortage in North Korea. Does this mean that you have reached the stage to determine that they are willing to defect to South Korea?

A) There is nothing to confirm at this stage as the investigation is ongoing. Let me say that except for any particular circumstance, we do not disclose any information in respect of their desire and physical safety.

Q) As mentioned during the inspection of state administration at the National Assembly, there is still a debate on the effectiveness of the September 19 Military Agreement. Though you mentioned this before, could you please reiterate the government's position on the September 19 Military Agreement?

A) Based on a comprehensive assessment of the security situation, the Government will consider suspending the effect of the September 19 Military Agreement if deemed necessary for national security reasons.

Q) As following up of the previous question, what is the analysis and speculation of the government and the Unification Ministry of North Korea’s intention that it has not launched a military reconnaissance satellite this month, contrary to its announcement.

A) It would be better not to officially make assumptions about why North Korea has not launched reconnaissance satellites.

Q) You mentioned that the policy advisor to the Unification Minister delivered his tribute to Mr. Kim Byeong-do. I am aware that the number of returnees from North Korea, including abductees and POWs, is not large, and the government delivering condolences could be a message in some ways. Could you explain what it was like for the two previous returnees from North Korea?

A) Let me check the relevant information and let you know.