Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Friday,
December 8, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:37 A.M.
1. Unification Ministry’s Stance on North Korea’s dismantlement of
the remains of the South-North Joint Liaison Office
Despite repeated warnings and requests from the Government, North
Korea continues to illegally use the facilities of South Korean tenant
companies in the Gaeseong Industrial Complex. Recently, the North has
proceeded with the dismantlement of the South-North Joint Liaison
Office building, which was already demolished in 2020. These actions
by North Korea persistently violate our property rights.
The Government strongly reiterates that North Korea's actions of
dismantling the South-North Joint Liaison Office and illicitly
operating facilities within the GIC are clear violations of
inter-Korean agreements, fundamentally undermining mutual respect and trust.
Furthermore, We strongly urge North Korea to immediately cease any
actions that infringe upon the property rights of our people,
companies, and government.
The ROKG will hold North Korea accountable for actions infringing
upon our property rights and take necessary measures going forward.
Our commitment remains firm in establishing inter-Korean relations
based on mutual respect and trust through principled policies on
unification and North Korea.
2. Minister’s Schedule
Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will attend a session of the
National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs & Unification Committee today
at 11 A.M.
The Minister’s congratulatory remarks at the 13th Chaillot Forum
organized by the Korea Institute for National Unification will be
delivered by the Deputy Minister for Human Rights and Humanitarian
Affairs at 1:30 P.M.
3. Q&A
Q) In May, the Ministry mentioned that about 10 facilities in the
GIC were under unauthorized operation. How much has this number
increased since then?
In addition, does the Ministry consider North Korea’s ongoing
dismantling of the South-North Joint Liaison Office is related to the
increasing unauthorized operation of the GIC facilities?
A) We once mentioned that unauthorized vehicle movements and
operations within the GIC were increasing. Currently, we estimate that
facilities from around 30 tenant companies are in operation. However,
it is difficult to specify the operational status of individual companies.
After the Joint Liaison Office was demolished in 2020, the
facilities were left without any specific measures. Recently, there
have been observations of North Korea demolishing these facilities
since late November. However, we do not have concrete information on
the reasons behind this demolition.
Q) Is the GIC in operation during the nighttime? What is the
progress of North Korea’s removal of the Joint Liaison Office remains,
whether it is ongoing or completed?
A) Currently, the remains of the South-North Joint Liaison Office is
being dismantled, and the process is not yet finished. Our estimation
of around 30 tenant companies being illicitly operated in the GIC is
based on satellite information verified with relevant agencies, as
well as visual observations during both daytime and nighttime. This
number is a comprehensive assessment using this combined information.
Q) There was a VOA news report in May this year indicating that
the Joint Liaison Office remains were being dismantled. Does it mean
that the current stage involves not just clearing up the surrounding
remains but an ongoing process of actual dismantlement?
A) Yes, North Korea is currently in the process of dismantling the
damaged building.
Q) Yesterday, the Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea
announced the audit results of the killing of a South Korean public
official by North Korea in the West Sea. Among the issues raised for
various ministries and institutions, there was mention of disciplinary
action sought for the Ministry of Unification.
The Unification Ministry might feel unfairly targeted, but the audit
result indicated that despite receiving information about our national
being forced to North Korea while alive, no specific measures were
taken. The Ministry’s stance, as I was informed, indicated no
objections from the Ministry regarding the audit results, nor was
there any apology. I was wondering if the Unification Ministry has any
plan to apologize regarding the audit results?
A) Let me share the Ministry of Unification's stance regarding
the Board of Audit and Inspection's decision. There is nothing
specific to mention about the audit results. Concerning the issues
pointed out during the audit, the Ministry of Unification will
prioritize safeguarding our people’s lives and safety by closely
cooperating with relevant agencies in case of any developments in
inter-Korean relations in the future.
We plan to request the Central Disciplinary Committee to adopt a
resolution of disciplinary action on this case in accordance with the
relevant regulations.
Regarding the Board of Audit and Inspection's request for
disposition of “attention” towards the Ministry, we will ensure that
accurate information is distributed to the public through the National
Assembly and media, based on factual explanations concerning
situations related to inter-Korean relations.
Q) The Board of Audit and Inspection explicitly pointed out
faults of the Unification Ministry, requesting for disposition of
“attention” directed towards the Ministry and disciplinary action
against an individual. However, does the Ministry have no intention of
offering an apology for its lack of measures when our national was killed?
A) As I mentioned earlier, we will take into account the issues
highlighted during this audit.
