Date: Monday, November 27, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:36 A.M.

 

1. Minister’s Schedule

Minister of Unification Kim Yung Ho will attend the Policy Discussion on the Economic Activities of North Korean Defectors in Preparation for Reunification to deliver the opening speech for the event, which will be held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul at 2 P.M. today, November 27.

On Tuesday, Nov. 28, Minister Kim will attend a cabinet meeting at 10 A.M. and then meet with the Sages Group Dialogue at the minister's office.

On Wednesday, November 29, Minister Kim will attend and deliver remarks at the Sages Group Dialogue: The Sages Group and Digital Freedom Symposium at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul at 9 A.M. A press release will be issued after the event.

Minister Kim will then attend and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of the special exhibition “Human Rights, the Right to Not Be Forgotten” to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the opening of the National Memorial for Abductees during the Korean War at 11:50 A.M.

On Friday, December 1, at 10 A.M., the Minister will deliver his congratulatory remarks at a job fair for North Korean defectors at COEX.

 

2. Vice Minister’s Schedule

Vice Minister of Unification Moon Seoung-hyun will attend the vice-minister’s conference at 8 A.M. on Friday, December 1.

 

3. Q&A

Q) North Korea claims that its military reconnaissance satellite “Malligyong-1” is in normal operation, but it has not released any photos. What is the Government’s take on North Korea’s intentions?

A) After the launch of the military reconnaissance satellite, Kim Jong Un visited the General Control Center of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) three times on November 22, 24, and 25, claiming the successful launch and photographing of the satellite. We are verifying this claim together with the relevant agencies, however, we are not yet in a position to make an accurate judgment on the reconnaissance capacity of this satellite.

As for North Korea's intentions, there are various speculations on reasons why North Korea is not releasing these photos, but it is still a bit early for the Government to officially assess its intentions.

Q) An emergency meeting of the UN　Security Council is scheduled to be held today to discuss North Korea's launch of its reconnaissance satellite. I understand that the Republic of Korea is also attending as a stakeholder country. Please tell us about the Ministry of Unification's position on this meeting.

A) It is very important for the international community to recognize the gravity of this issue and speak with a unified voice to prevent North Korea from taking illegal actions that violate these UN　Security Council resolutions.

Q) Earlier you mentioned that it is the first time in nine years since 2014 that a job fair for North Korean defectors will be held. I’d like to ask why it has been nine years since this event is being held.

A) It has been a long time since we　have held a job fair for North Korean defectors. In the meantime, there were various situations including COVID. Now that COVID regulations are lifted, we are able to hold such a large-scale event.

As important as is it for North Korean defectors to find various job opportunities, it is also essential for our people to become aware of this issue, which is why we prepared this as an important, large-scale event. We ask for your interest and support in this event.

Q) Regarding the North Korean election of deputies to regional People’s Assemblies that took place yesterday, North Korean media including the Rodong Sinmun reported that the voter turnout was almost 100%. Does the Ministry have an assessment of the local election or voter turnout?

R) There is a lot of coverage from North Korean media about the voter turnout and Kim Jong Un’s participation in the election, promoting its “people-centered Korean-style socialism” through elections. However, the method of election where residents vote in different colored ballot boxes is far from a democratic election system, but rather has the aspect of strengthening the regime's internal control.

Q) Could you elaborate more on the job fair for North Korean defectors?

A) There are various difficulties North Korean defectors face in the process of coming to South Korea and settling down in our society. One of the major factors is that there is the lack of a warm acceptance in some parts of our society, and even a bit of a discriminatory atmosphere.

The Ministry of Unification believes that North Korean defectors can play a crucial role in terms of understanding North Korea and preparing for unification. In that sense, we hope that people understand the vital importance of successful settlement of North Korean defectors in our society for the long-term preparations toward unification.