Date: Monday, February 5, 2024
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.
1. Minister’s Schedule
On February 5, from 3 P.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will
take part in a New Year’s Roundtable Discussion with presidents of
four prominent research institutions.
On February 6, at 3 P.M., Minister Kim will attend a general meeting
of the Ministry’s 2024 policy advisory council to deliver opening
remarks and present certificates to newly appointed members.
On February 7, at 12 P.M., Minister Kim will visit and console
families of abduction victims on the occasion of Lunar New Year’s Day.
At 3 P.M., Minister Kim will visit Heavenly Dream School, an
alternative school for North Korean defectors.
On February 10, at 11 A.M., Minister Kim will deliver a speech at
Mangbaedan Memorial Altar at Paju.
2. Q&A
Q) Is the Unification Future Planning Committee’s role limited to
the formulation of the New Future Initiative on Unification (tentative
name), or are they also working on improving the National Community
Unification Formula?
A) The Unification Minister has offered an explanation regarding
this in last week’s radio interview. I would like to refer you to the
Minister’s remarks made during the interview.
Q) Did the Unification Ministry communicate with and share the newly
unveiled symbol of forget-me-nots and clothing pieces revealed during
Seoul Fashion Week with related organizations?
A) The Ministry collected the opinions of relevant organizations
regarding the forget-me-not symbol itself. Meanwhile, clothing pieces
showcased at the fashion show, to my understanding, is within the
discretion of the designer.
Q) Then has the Ministry communicated with related organizations
after the outfits were presented to the public at Seoul Fashion Week,
and are you aware of their opinions?
A) As the fashion show took place over the weekend, the matter can
be discussed this week if necessary.
Q) Though I cannot name specific groups, some have commented that
the show only portrayed the dark side of the issue and that the
message of the forget-me-nots was not fully conveyed. Could you
explain how the Ministry plans to further publicize the meaning of the symbol?
A) The Ministry is currently reviewing various methods and
directions to promote the symbol, and will let the public know when it
is confirmed. The fashion show was the Ministry’s attempt to raise
awareness regarding issues concerning abductees, detainees and
prisoners of war in a new light.
