Unification Spokesperson’s Statement
Urging the North to Resolve Issues of
Abductees, Detainees and Prisoners of War
March 27, 2024
As the North consistently pursues a passive stance, refusing to
provide minimal information such as the confirmation of life or death,
issues concerning abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war (POW) of
the Korean War remain unresolved. Consequently, families are living
through each day in grave pain.
In particular, six citizens of the Republic of Korea, including
missionaries Kim Jung wook, Kim Kook kie and Choi Chun gil, have been
illegally arrested by the North since 2013. These citizens have been
held in detention facilities for an extended period of time, deprived
of freedom. Meanwhile, the North is not permitting any form of contact
be it via telecommunication or direct meetings.
The Ministry of Unification expresses regret over North Korea’s
irresponsible attitude, claiming that there is nothing more to resolve
or know about the abduction issue.
Upon reaffirming a shared commitment to the resolution of the issues
of abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated POWs during the Camp David
Summit last August, the Unification Ministry established the Abductees
Response Team directly overseen by the Minister of Unification. Since
then, the Ministry and the team has engaged in various efforts with
the firm recognition that the issues are grave matters concerning the
Government’s basic duty of ‘protecting its people.’
To encourage all South Koreans to actively participate in advocating
for the repatriation of those abducted and detained, the Ministry
designed a symbol and carried out campaigns to bring together our commitment.
President Yoon Suk Yeol and all cabinet members wore the badge of
three forget-me-nots at yesterday’s cabinet meeting and expressed
strong will to bring all abductees, detainees and POWs back to the
arms of families and the Republic of Korea.
The Ministry of Unification once again condemns these illegal and
inhumane treatments by the North Korean authorities and strongly urges
the North to clearly recognize that this is a matter of great
importance concerning the protection of lives of our people and to
take an active part in resolving the issue.
* Unofficial translation
