Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Cho Joonghoon
Date: Monday,
December 19, 2022
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.
1. Ministry to hold an expert discussion on North Korean human rights
From 9:45 A.M. today, the Unification Ministry is holding an expert
discussion on North Korean human rights, and Vice Unification Minister
Kim Ki Woong will deliver remarks.
The discussion is chaired by Lee Shin-wha, Ambassador for
International Cooperation on North Korean Human Rights, and
participated by various experts including former Unification Ministers
Hyun In-taek and Hong Yong-Pyo, Jung-Hoon Lee, former Ambassador for
International Cooperation on North Korean Human Rights, Colin Crooks,
British Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Prof. Choi Dae Seok at
Ewha Womans University, Prof. Park Myoung-Kyu at Seoul National
University, and Shin Kak-Soo, former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
2. Minister’s Schedule
On December 21, Unification Minister Kwon Youngse will attend the
Korean Peninsula Infrastructure Forum and deliver congratulatory remarks.
The Korean Peninsula Infrastructure Forum is a non-profit platform
organized in November 2019 with 422 experts from academia and
industries as a means to form consensus and future vision for
infrastructure cooperation on the Korean Peninsula.
3. Vice Minister’s Schedule
On December 20, Vice Minister Kim Ki Woong will participate to an
exhibition of goods produced by North Korean defectors at the National
Assembly and deliver the Minister’s congratulatory remarks on his behalf.
4. Q&A
Q. North Korean state media reported today that North Korea
conducted an important final-stage test for the development of
reconnaissance satellite at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground on
December 18 which confirmed technical indices including data
transmission capability and ground control system, and that the North
would finish the preparations for the first military reconnaissance
satellite by April, 2023.
This means that the two medium-range ballistic missiles launched
yesterday(12.18) was the test launch for the North’s reconnaissance
satellite. How does the Ministry take on this report?
A. Regarding the military and technical aspects, relevant agencies
will provide explanation on this matter.
However, the Unification Ministry strongly condemns North Korea’s
launch of ballistic missiles on December 18 as it is a clear violation
of the UN Security Council resolutions and a serious provocation that
escalates tensions on the Korean Peninsula and threatens peace and the
safety in the region.
The North Korean authorities must make efforts to improve the
livelihood and the economy of North Korea as well as human rights and
the quality of life of North Korean residents.
Q. North Korea disclosed photos of Seoul and Incheon reportedly
taken by its reconnaissance satellite. How do you evaluate the
precision of the images and also the North’s intention?
A. I am afraid to say that there is nothing the Unification Ministry
can comment as there is an ongoing analysis by relevant agencies
regarding North Korea’s reports.
