Date: Monday, February 28, 2022
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.
1. Regarding North Korea’s ballistic missile launch
North Korean state media reported today that its National Aerospace
Development Administration and the Academy of Defence Science
conducted a test for the development of a reconnaissance satellite.
Upon detecting a ballistic missile launch from around the North’s
Sunan area toward the East Sea, the Government has tracked and
monitored related movements while also maintaining a readiness
posture. Meanwhile, the National Security Council meeting expressed
grave regret over the North’s missile launch and urged an immediate
suspension of such acts.
The Ministry of Unification also held an executive meeting presided
by the Minister and Vice Minister shortly after the North’s missile
launch. The meeting reviewed situations surrounding inter-Korean
relations, and expressed deep concern over yet another North Korean
missile launch which comes at a time when peace and stability on the
peninsula are paramount. It also urged the North to suspend all acts
contrary to efforts in settling peace on the Korean Peninsula and
around the world, and to return to the path toward dialogue and cooperation.
The Ministry, together with related agencies and countries, will
closely monitor developments in the North and continue efforts to
ensure that situations on the Korean Peninsula head toward peace, not
increased tension and confrontation.
2. Upcoming events
The National Institute for Unification Education is publishing three
basic textbooks for unification education today, including
Understanding Issues on Unification, Understanding North Korea and
Understanding Peace on the Korean Peninsula. Textbooks on unification
and North Korea have been published since 1972, while the subject of
peace was introduced for the first time last year. The three textbooks
will be distributed to schools, libraries and research institutes, and
will be used for unification education purposes.
Tomorrow marks 53 years since the Ministry of Unification was
established. Accordingly, on March 2, the Ministry will hold an online
anniversary event looking back on the path taken and exploring the
path to pursue.
3. Q&A
Q. North Korea noted through state media that it conducted a test
under the plan of developing a reconnaissance satellite on February
27. Does the Government perceive this as part of a process toward
suspending its moratorium?
A. An in-depth analysis of the North’s recent missile launch details
is currently underway, especially by military authorities. The
Government will assess the implications of the latest missile launch
and thoroughly prepare for all possibilities based on such analysis,
while paying close attention to North Korea’s claim the test was aimed
at developing a reconnaissance satellite.
We urge the North to suspend missile tests and acts that run counter
to building peace on the Korean Peninsula and around the world,
especially at a time when peace and stability on the peninsula are
paramount. The North must maintain its moratorium and swiftly return
to dialogue and cooperation.
