Understanding the reality of North Korea is the first step toward bringing about positive changes in North Korea and achieving a free and peaceful unification

Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho delivers a lecture at the 35th general meeting of the Korea Association of Social Welfare Centers (February 15)

On February 15, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho attended the 35th general meeting of the Korea Association of Social Welfare Centers 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 200 directors from national social welfare centers, including Chairman of the Korea Association of Social Welfare Centers Jung Sungki.

During the lecture, Minister Kim outlined the contents of the Status Report on North Korean Economy and Society, explaining, “The exploitation of labor without payment is a daily occurrence in North Korea, given the collapse of the distribution system and the precarious food situation.” He added, “North Korean residents are turning to markets to purchase food and medicine.”

Moreover, Minister Kim mentioned that there have been meaningful societal changes, such as the elevation of the status of women, as women’s economic participation has increased.

Furthermore, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho stated that the ROK government will uphold a steadfast position on unification based on the constitution in response to the recent changes in North Korea’s policies towards South Korea and actions that escalate military tension. He added that the government will persist in its endeavors to support North Korean defectors and improve North Korean human rights.

In particular, regarding support for North Korean defectors, Minister Kim emphasized the crucial role of those directly performing tasks in the field. He appealed for special cooperation and support from the directors of the social welfare centers.