Date: Monday, April 11, 2022
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.
1. Weekly schedule
The Ministry of Unification and the Korean NGO Council for
Cooperation with North Korea (KNCCNK) will be co-hosting a talk
session with youth activists involved in inter-Korean humanitarian
cooperation tomorrow at 3 P.M. Unification Minister Lee In-young will
have the opportunity to communicate with activists in their 20s and
30s associated with the KNCCNK in a free and comfortable atmosphere.
2. Q&A
Q. Marking the 10th anniversary of North Korean President Kim Jong
Un’s election to top party and state leader, the North has opened a
new exhibition hall at the Korean Revolution Museum displaying Kim’s
achievements and is referring to Kim as the ‘great leader.’ How does
the Ministry interpret such developments?
A. North Korean state media including the Rodong Sinmun and KCNA
reported today that a national meeting took place on April 10 to
commemorate the 10th anniversary of President Kim Jong Un’s election
as the top party and state leader.
While President Kim was not present, key figures of the party,
government and military including Choe Ryong Hae, Jo Yong Won and Kim
Tok Hun attended the meeting.
In addition to the meeting, various commemorative events were
reportedly held such as the opening of a new exhibition hall dedicated
to President Kim at the Korean Revolution Museum, the issuing of
celebratory stamps, and the convening of commemorative meetings in
provinces, cities and counties of the North.
Through such events, the North appears to be seeking to boast the
solidarity of Kim Jong Un’s regime and strengthen internal unity.
With major North Korean political events expected in April, the
Government will continue to keep a close eye on developments in the North.
Q. How are calls through the South-North Joint Liaison Office going?
Has the North responded to the South’s request concerning Haegeumgang
Hotel? Does the Ministry have plans to deliver additional requests if
the North remains irresponsive?
A. Since the restoration of inter-Korean communications channels
last October, the South and the North are making daily routine calls
twice a day, at 9 A.M. and 5 P.M. Today’s 9 A.M. call went through as usual.
The ROK Government has been closely monitoring the North’s response
upon verbally communicating its position regarding the Haegeumgang
Hotel in early April, but the North has yet to respond.
The Government will review and pursue follow-up measures in close
consultation with tour operators. However, it is difficult to detail
specific plans at this stage.
We once again urge the North to provide a thorough explanation about
the dismantlement of the hotel and respond to the request for
consultations to resolve issues on Mt. Geumgang at the earliest
possible date.