Date: Monday, August 26, 2024
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.

 

1. Minister’s Schedule

On August 27, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim Yung Ho will attend the cabinet meeting.

At 2:40 P.M., Minister Kim will attend the 2024 Munhwa Future Report.

On August 28, at 9:30 A.M., Minister Kim will deliver welcoming remarks at the International Conference Commemorating the 1st Anniversary of the ROK-U.S.-Japan Summit at Camp David.

On August 29, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the plenary session of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs & Unification Committee.

 

2. Vice Minister’s Schedule

On August 29, at 9 A.M., Vice Minister Kim Soo Kyung will attend the vice ministers’ conference.

At 11 A.M., Vice Minister Kim will deliver opening remarks at the Families’ Call for International Solidarity: Issues of Abduction, Arbitrary Detention and Forced Disappearance.

At 3 P.M., Vice Minister Kim will host the second meeting of the 2024 Council on North Korean Human Rights.

 

3. Q&A

Q. North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun reported today that President Kim Jong Un oversaw a performance test of various drones. Does the Unification Ministry have a general review or analysis regarding the report? Also, is it the first time North Korea revealed “******* drones?”

A. The ROK Government is closely analyzing the North’s weapons development process. Explanations regarding weapons details, if necessary, will be provided by defense authorities.

The development of drones was announced as one of the main tasks under the North’s
five-year plan for the development of defence science and weapon systems. It is the first time the North has revealed its “******* drones.”

Q. According to recent reports by Rodong Sinmun, President Kim Jong Un was often seen visiting flood damage sites and focusing on people’s livelihoods. Can you confirm when Kim last made visits to military-related sites?

A. As you mentioned, President Kim Jong Un was reported of having inspected flood-hit areas for the first time on July 29, and made a total of seven site visits until August 17. Today’s reports of Kim Jong Un’s inspection of a drone development institute and field guidance at various regional-industry factories are the first since August 17.

Q. The North has not responded to the August 15 Unification Doctrine yet. How does the Ministry evaluate the situation?

A. The North is yet to officially respond to the August 15 Unification Doctrine. The Government will continue to monitor related developments without making assumptions about the North’s intentions or possible reactions.