Date: Monday, November 20, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:37 A.M.

 

1. Unification Minister to meet with UNC Commander

Today at 11 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will visit Camp Humphreys United Nations Command (UNC) in Pyeongtaek to meet with General Paul LaCamera. They will discuss collaborative measures between the Unification Ministry and the UNC.

This meeting with Minister Kim and the UNC Commander aligns with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s focus on strengthening ties with the UNC. President Yoon emphasized the significance of the UNC during his interactions with key figures on August 10 and specifically highlighted the seven rear bases provided to the UNC by Japan in his address on the 78th Liberation Day on August 15. In addition, the Government recently hosted the ROK-UNC Member States Defense Ministerial Meeting on November 14.

The Unification Ministry anticipates that this meeting will underscore the importance and value of South Korea’s security within the UNC and foster greater collaboration.

Continuing its efforts, the Unification Ministry will continue to communicate with the UNC and its member states to realize the vision of a unified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace, as confirmed during the Camp David Summit on August 18. As part of this initiative, the Ministry has organized a policy briefing on November 21 for ambassadors to South Korea from UNC member states involved in the Korean War.

 

2. Minister’s Schedule

On November 21, at 9 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will attend the cabinet meeting, and at 11:30 A.M., he will attend a briefing for ambassadors to South Korea from UNC member states participated to the Korean War, during which he will deliver congratulatory remarks.

On November 23, at 7:40 A.M., Minister Kim will attend a breakfast meeting held by the Incheon Business Forum and deliver a lecture on the unification policy of the Yoon Suk Yeol government.

On the same day, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend a plenary session of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs & Unification Committee, followed by an alumni event at the National Institute for Unification Education at 7 P.M.

On November 24, at 9:30 A.M., Minister Kim will attend an academic conference held by the National Unification Advisory Council and deliver congratulatory remarks. At 1:40 P.M., there will be a workshop for the Ministry’s employees where Minister Kim will deliver opening remarks. The workshop will conclude with the screening of the documentary film “Beyond Utopia” at 3:45 P.M., which will be open for journalists.

 

3. Q&A

Q) You just mentioned that Minister Kim and Commander LaCamera will discuss future collaborative measures. I was wondering if there are any plans to discuss the reactivation of the UNC in the meeting.

A) As the matter is related to defense affairs, this is not something for the Unification Ministry to discuss.

Q) Last week, there was North Korea’s Missile Industry Day, however, North Korea seemed to pass quitely without any developments even related to his daughter over the weekend. What is the Ministry’s take on this?

A) In 2021, North Korea designated a "Rocket Industry Day," and at times, there were no special activities. Likewise, there is not much to evaluate from the fact that there were no particular moves from North Korea.

Q) The South Korean military warned North Korea to immediately cease military satellite reconnaissance launches. The military mentioned taking necessary actions if North Korea proceeds with the satellite launch. I believe taking such necessary measures requires coordination with the Unification Ministry. Are there any ongoing discussions related to this?

Also, has the government shared information indicating that the satellite launch will proceed within the next week?

Lastly, in the military’s announcement, they used the term 'military reconnaissance satellite,' whereas 'so called space launch vehicle which used ballistic missile technology' was used for the two previous instances. Has the terminology been officially changed within the government?

A) On your first question, the Government will comprehensively review and consider necessary measures while monitoring North Korea's actions concerning the September 19 Military agreement.

Regarding your second question, I understand there was an NSC meeting this morning and a briefing by the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well. We are closely sharing information with relevant ministries about North Korea's potential third satellite launch, but we do not have specific details to confirm at this point.

About the terminology change, the third satellite launch has yet to take place. For the first satellite launch, the remains of satellites were recovered to confirm their nature. Therefore, discussions on how to define the satellite will likely happen after the a third satellite launch takes place in the future.

Q) My first question was not specifically about the September 19 Military Agreement. However, considering your response that the "military will take necessary measures," referring to the September 19 Military Agreement, is it okay to understand your answer as contemplating the suspension of the September 19 Military Agreement?

A) I reiterated the Government’s basic stance regarding the September 19 Military Agreement.