Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Monday,
November 27, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:36 A.M.
1. Minister’s Schedule
Minister of Unification Kim Yung Ho will attend the Policy
Discussion on the Economic Activities of North Korean Defectors in
Preparation for Reunification to deliver the opening speech for the
event, which will be held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul at 2
P.M. today, November 27.
On Tuesday, Nov. 28, Minister Kim will attend a cabinet meeting at
10 A.M. and then meet with the Sages Group Dialogue at the minister's office.
On Wednesday, November 29, Minister Kim will attend and deliver
remarks at the Sages Group Dialogue: The Sages Group and Digital
Freedom Symposium at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul at 9 A.M. A
press release will be issued after the event.
Minister Kim will then attend and deliver remarks at the opening
ceremony of the special exhibition “Human Rights, the Right to Not Be
Forgotten” to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the opening of the
National Memorial for Abductees during the Korean War at 11:50 A.M.
On Friday, December 1, at 10 A.M., the Minister will deliver his
congratulatory remarks at a job fair for North Korean defectors at COEX.
2. Vice Minister’s Schedule
Vice Minister of Unification Moon Seoung-hyun will attend the
vice-minister’s conference at 8 A.M. on Friday, December 1.
3. Q&A
Q) North Korea claims that its military reconnaissance satellite
“Malligyong-1” is in normal operation, but it has not released any
photos. What is the Government’s take on North Korea’s intentions?
A) After the launch of the military reconnaissance satellite, Kim
Jong Un visited the General Control Center of the National Aerospace
Technology Administration (NATA) three times on November 22, 24, and
25, claiming the successful launch and photographing of the satellite.
We are verifying this claim together with the relevant agencies,
however, we are not yet in a position to make an accurate judgment on
the reconnaissance capacity of this satellite.
As for North Korea's intentions, there are various speculations on
reasons why North Korea is not releasing these photos, but it is still
a bit early for the Government to officially assess its intentions.
Q) An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council is scheduled to
be held today to discuss North Korea's launch of its reconnaissance
satellite. I understand that the Republic of Korea is also attending
as a stakeholder country. Please tell us about the Ministry of
Unification's position on this meeting.
A) It is very important for the international community to recognize
the gravity of this issue and speak with a unified voice to prevent
North Korea from taking illegal actions that violate these UN Security
Council resolutions.
Q) Earlier you mentioned that it is the first time in nine years
since 2014 that a job fair for North Korean defectors will be held.
I’d like to ask why it has been nine years since this event is being held.
A) It has been a long time since we have held a job fair for North
Korean defectors. In the meantime, there were various situations
including COVID. Now that COVID regulations are lifted, we are able to
hold such a large-scale event.
As important as is it for North Korean defectors to find various job
opportunities, it is also essential for our people to become aware of
this issue, which is why we prepared this as an important, large-scale
event. We ask for your interest and support in this event.
Q) Regarding the North Korean election of deputies to regional
People’s Assemblies that took place yesterday, North Korean media
including the Rodong Sinmun reported that the voter turnout was almost
100%. Does the Ministry have an assessment of the local election or
voter turnout?
R) There is a lot of coverage from North Korean media about the
voter turnout and Kim Jong Un’s participation in the election,
promoting its “people-centered Korean-style socialism” through
elections. However, the method of election where residents vote in
different colored ballot boxes is far from a democratic election
system, but rather has the aspect of strengthening the regime's
internal control.
Q) Could you elaborate more on the job fair for North Korean defectors?
A) There are various difficulties North Korean defectors face in the
process of coming to South Korea and settling down in our society. One
of the major factors is that there is the lack of a warm acceptance in
some parts of our society, and even a bit of a discriminatory atmosphere.
The Ministry of Unification believes that North Korean defectors can
play a crucial role in terms of understanding North Korea and
preparing for unification. In that sense, we hope that people
understand the vital importance of successful settlement of North
Korean defectors in our society for the long-term preparations toward unification.