Date: Monday, June 3, 2024
Time: 10:30-10:34 A.M.

 

1. Minister’s Schedule

On June 3, at 11:30 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will hold a luncheon meeting with former Ministers of Foreign Affairs to discuss ideas on unification.

On June 4, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting.

On June 5, at 7:30 A.M., Minister Kim will hold the 12th Wednesday Forum.

At 9 A.M., Minister Kim will deliver opening remarks at the Seminar on the Right to Health for Vulnerable Groups in North Korea.

At 1:30 P.M., Minister Kim will deliver a welcoming speech at an event discussing unification of the Korean Peninsula and the new unification discourse with global experts.

At 5 P.M., Minister Kim will attend an event celebrating the 70th foundation anniversary of Hankook Ilbo.

On June 7, at 3 P.M., Minister Kim will pay a courtesy visit to Kim Ryoung-ha, head of the Association of Korean Native Religions.

 

2. Vice Minister’s Schedule

On June 3, at 11 A.M., Unification Vice Minister Moon Seung-hyun will attend the unveiling ceremony of the Monument for Safe Return of Teenage Abductees at Hongdo Beach.

 

3. Q&A

Q. North Korea announced last night that it will stop sending trash-carrying balloons, while warning that it will resume if it receives leaflets from the South. The Unification Ministry said last week that it would consider asking civic groups to refrain from flying leaflets to the North — does the Ministry have plans to send such request?

A. The Ministry approaches the issue of disseminating leaflets and other items to the North while considering the intent of the Constitutional Court’s decision to guarantee freedom of expressiσn.

Q. Although the court did rule the prohibition of sending anti-Pyeongyang leaflets unconstitutional, it also noted that the Act on the Performance of Duties by Police Officers allows police to administratively control the situation on-site in case of serious danger. In this regard, is the Ministry communicating with the Korean National Police Agency to request support or exchange views? If not, will such request be made?

A. If necessary, upon considering field conditions, appropriate measures can be taken in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. It is a matter to be judged on the ground.

Q. It is my understanding that the Unification Ministry is following up on legal reviews regarding the resumption of loudspeakers against North Korea. Has the Ministry completed this legal review? Will the Government declare the suspension of the Agreement on the Implementation of the Historic Panmunjom Declaration in the Military Domain and accordingly go ahead with loudspeaker broadcasts?

A. The resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts against North Korea is an issue that requires comprehensive consideration among relevant agencies. The National Security Office held a briefing in relation to this yesterday, and there is nothing more the Unification Ministry can confirm.