Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Monday,
January 8, 2024
Time: 10:30-10:36 A.M.
1. Minister’s Schedule
On January 8, at 11:30 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will
hold a New Year’s gathering, inviting former Ministers of Unification
at Lotte Hotel Seoul.
On January 9, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting.
On January 12, at 11 A.M., Minister Kim will appoint Keunsang Yoo, a
world-renowned sculptor and President of the Institute for Art and
Restoration, as an special advisor for the establishment of the
National North Korean Human Rights Center. After the meeting with the
Minister, President Yoo will have a brief standing interview in front
of the Minister’s office.
2. Vice Minister’s Schedule
On January 10, Vice Minister Moon Seoung-hyun will attend a live
interview hosted by KTV at 10:40 A.M.
3. Q&A
Q) There was a report today that Kim Jong Un was accompanied by his
daughter on his visit to a chicken farm. It seems quite unusual that
North Korea reported on Kim Jong Un’s daughter on a non-military
event. What is the Ministry’s take on this?
In addition, with respect to the coverage of Kim Jong Un’s daughter,
has there been a change in her portrayal? She is introduced before
other high-ranking North Korean officials and addressed with respect.
A) It is the second time that Kim Jong Un’s daughter, presumed to be
Kim Ju Ae, accompanying Kim Jong Un’s field guidance in the economic
field. This seems intended to show an image of taking care of people's livelihoods.
Since January 5, Kim Jong Un’s daughter has been highlighted
separately and prior to other officials. However, there are no
separate assessments related to this matter at the moment. As
previously mentioned, we remain open to all possibilities, including
her potential succession.
Q) Since January 5, North Korea has launched missiles for three
consecutive days, and sent a message of condolence to the Prime
Minister of Japan using the term 'Your Excellency.' What is the
Ministry’s analysis or stance on this?
A) The South Korean military authorities have already addressed
North Korea’s provocations, therefore, the Ministry does not have
additional comment.
As for Chairman Kim Jong Un’s message to Prime Minister Kishida,
this is the first time Chairman Kim has sent a message to a Japanese
Prime Minister, according to the KCNA reports, and also the first time
using the term 'Your Excellency.'
However, we won’t speculate on the intention behind his message as
it is a condolence for the earthquake damage in Japan.
Q) Today is Kim Jong Un's birthday, yet there is no official message
from North Korea. Previously, the Unification Ministry mentioned that
this might be due to Kim Jong Un not being of the “Lineage of the
Paekdu”. Is this position still the same, or is there another reason
his birthday is not celebrated as a holiday?
A) North Korea does not particularly mention Kim Jong Un's birthday.
While there are various theories, we will not make any assumptions and
will continue to observe.
Q) As you mentioned that this is the second time that Kim Jong
Un’s daughter accompanied her father in the economic field-related
guidance. Does this refer to her attendance at the ground breaking
ceremony in the Sopho District last February as the first instance?
A) Yes, that is correct.
Q) Regarding North Korea’s artillery firing for three days, Kim
Yo Jong has claimed that the South Korean military made a false
announcement, mistaking the sound of the blasting sound as gunfire.
The South Korean military views it as part of a substandard
psychological warfare campaign aimed at South Korea. Does the Ministry
share this view?
Also, are there any instances where North Korea committed artillery
firing or actual provocations then attempted to conceal their actions
or present them as if they were not true?
A) Our stance aligns with the military’s view of this being a
substandard psychological warfare campaign against the South. North
Korea has a history of distorting facts to support their baseless
claims, thus there is no need for us to further comment on that matter.
