Spreading democracy on the Korean Peninsula and its peaceful
unification are “international public goods” that contribute to the
peace and prosperity of Northeast Asia and the peace of the world.
Minister Kim Yung Ho attends a press briefing hosted by the Seoul
Foreign Correspondents’ Club (SFCC) (December 12)
On December 12, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho attended a press
briefing hosted by the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club (SFCC) (at
the Korea Press Center) and explained the state of North Korea and the
directions of the South Korean government’s unification and North
Korea policies.
First, Minister Kim pointed out that the recent internal and
external difficulties facing North Korea are attributed to various
illicit activities by the North Korean authorities, such as nuclear
and missile development, and mentioned that as a result, there is a
growing desire for change among North Korean residents.
Next, Minister Kim outlined three key policy directions.
Firstly, he expressed the commitment to maintain a principled
approach to North Korean policy.
Specifically, he stated that the Unification Ministry will block
North Korea from illegally earning foreign currency by imposing
strengthened sanctions, take a firm and restrained response to North
Korea’s actions that raise tension, and create conditions for
providing humanitarian assistance to North Korean residents.
Furthermore, the minister said that he will make multifaceted
efforts to draw tangible outcomes regarding North Korean human rights,
including expanding international dialogue on North Korean human
rights, announcing the North Korean Human Rights Roadmap, and
establishing the National Center for North Korean Human Rights.
Lastly, Minister Kim expressed his commitment to prepare unification
with the international community while internationally promoting the
vision of “a unified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace.”
