Continuously driving changes in North Korean society despite surveillance and control by the North Korean authorities

Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho attends and gives a lecture at the New Year’s greeting of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (January 24)

On January 24, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho attended the New Year’s greeting of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council and gave a lecture on “The Realities of the North Korean Economy and Society and Recent Conditions on the Korean Peninsula.”

The event was attended by around 400 executive advisors in the Seoul area, including Executive Vice-chairperson Kim Kwan-yong.

Minister Kim explained the realities of the North Korean economy and society based on the Status Report on North Korean Economy and Society.

Specifically, the minister mentioned that despite the North Korean authorities strengthening surveillance and control over their residents, including the enactment of the Anti-Reactionary Thought Law, there has been a recent increase in the influx of Hallyu into North Korea, with “growing reluctance towards collectivism and an inclination towards individualism among North Korean residents.”

Moreover, Minister Kim said that he is closely monitoring the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula, and will “respond firmly to provocations posed by North Korea and at the same time address the situation to prevent heightened public anxiety.”

Emphasizing the idea of a “unified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace” as outlined in the Camp David declaration issued by the leaders of the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan, Minister Kim urged the advisory council members to play a role in expanding the understanding of the matter.