“Thicker and more elevated” deterrence system through the strengthening of the ROK-U.S. alliance

Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho delivers a New Year’s message during a ceremony marking the start of work in 2024 (January 2)

On January 2, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho attended a ceremony marking the start of work in 2024 and delivered a New Year’s address.

Minister Kim said that the South Korean government will build a “thicker and more elevated” deterrence system through the strengthening of the ROK-U.S. alliance in order to respond to North Korea’s potential military provocations.
He also urged the North to turn around and join the path of a “nuclear-free, peaceful, and prosperous Korean Peninsula.”

The minister then explained the direction of the Ministry of Unification’s work for this year.

Firstly, Minister Kim stated that the Unification Ministry would forge inter-Korean relations based on principles.

He added that the ministry will consistently promote the “Audacious Initiative” to address the North’s nuclear issue while taking a firm and restrained response to Pyeongyang’s actions that raise tensions.

Secondly, Minister Kim stated that he would make efforts in the continued publication of the report on North Korean human rights, the establishment of the National Center for North Korean Human Rights, and the expansion of international dialogue on North Korean human rights based on the comprehensive plan for the promotion of human rights in North Korea announced last December to yield visible outcomes for the human rights issue in the North.

Lastly, the minister stressed that he will lay out preparations for unification in full swing by systematizing the past governments’ sporadic and intermittent efforts.