Date: Monday, May 27, 2024
Time: 10:30-10:36 A.M.

 

1. Minister’s Schedule

On May 27, from 11:40 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will visit Gwangju City to deliver a special lecture and gather opinions for the formation of a new unification dialogue in the Honam region.

On May 28, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting.

On May 29, at 7:30 A.M., Minister Kim will hold the 11th Wednesday Forum.

At 3 P.M., Minister Kim will visit Seoul Baegun Elementary School as a one-day unification teacher.

On May 30, at 7:30 Minister Kim will deliver a lecture at a breakfast meeting of the Korea International Trade Association.

At 6 P.M., Minister Kim will hold the 9th Evening of Unification.

On May 31, from 10 A.M., Minister Kim will visit Daegu City to deliver a special lecture and gather opinions for the formation of a new unification dialogue in the Yeongnam region.

 

2. Vice Minister’s Schedule

On May 28, at 10 A.M., Unification Vice Minister Moon Seung-hyun will hold the North Korean Defector Protection and Settlement Support Council.

On May 29, at 4 P.M., Vice Minister Moon will deliver opening remarks at a musical performance held near the Garden of Three Forget-me-not Blossoms.

 

3. Q&A

Q. North Korea informed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of its fourth satellite launch plan. Could you explain related developments confirmed by the Unification Ministry?

A. Information on recent developments is shared among government agencies, and the Ministry of National Defense last week announced that it detected apparent signs of the North preparing for a satellite launch.

North Korea’s self-claimed satellite launch is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions which prohibits the launch of any missiles using ballistic missile technology. It is also a provocation that seriously threatens internal and regional security.

We strongly urge the North to immediately suspend its illegal satellite launch plan. The Government will firmly respond to any provocation by the North based on close cooperation with the international community and coordination between the ROK, U.S., and Japan.

Q. According to recent media reports, a large number of Russian engineers are visiting the North, and this comes after President Putin vowed to support North Korea’s satellite development last year. How does the Unification Ministry evaluate this trend?

A. There is nothing the Unification Ministry can confirm regarding the media report.

Q. How does the Ministry interpret North Korea’s intention of announcing its satellite launch plan at this timing.

A. The Ministry will not evaluate North Korea’s intention behind its satellite launch notice. However, the North has a record of announcing its plan through international organizations ahead of its launch.

Q. Talks between leaders of South Korea, Japan and China are ongoing. Over the weekend, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was spotted wearing a blue ribbon symbolizing Japanese nationals abducted by the North. On the contrary, President Yoon Suk Yeol was not wearing the ‘three forget-me-not blossoms’ badge. Unification Minister Kim mentioned at a recent press meeting that the government will review this matter. I would like to know why the President is not wearing the badge, what the result of the review was, and whether the idea was delivered or not.

A. The Unification Ministry has nothing to confirm regarding matters related to summit meetings. Furthermore, please understand that details of internal consultations cannot be disclosed.

Q. North Korean human rights groups have expressed disappointment over President Yoon not wearing the badge, a clear comparison to Prime Minister Kishida’s blue ribbon. What is the Ministry’s stance regarding the response of victim families and civic organizations?

A. The Government has and will continue to closely communicate with organizations about its determination to resolve issues concerning abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of the Korean War.