Press Release
Unification Spokesperson's Statement
June 1, 2014
The following is the R.O.K. government’s stance regarding North
Korea's announcement of the trial result of Kim Jung wook on May 30th.
Despite our government's repeated demand to release and repatriate
Kim Jung wook, North Korea has not responded to the legitimate
requests made by the R.O.K. government and the international community.
Also, North Korea did not respond at all to our request for the
family and the legal counsel to access Kim Jung wook.
It is deeply regrettable that North Korea, under such circumstances,
unilaterally conducted a pro forma trial and sentenced our citizen to
a severe punishment of 'hard labor for life'.
Our government clearly states that North Korea’s such measure is in
serious violation of not only the international norms but also the
universal value of humanitarianism.
We strongly urge North Korea to immediately release and repatriate
our citizen to the South.
Furthermore, North Korea must guarantee personal safety and provide
conveniences for our citizen until his repatriation. Also, we once
again urge North Korea to cooperate in allowing the family and the
counsel to access Kim Jung wook.
North Korea must show a responsible attitude toward legitimate
requests of our government and the international community.
