Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Monday,
June 5, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:34 A.M.
1. Minister’s Schedule
Unification Minister Kwon Youngse will attend the cabinet meeting
today at 1:30 P.M.
2. Vice Minister’s Schedule
Vice Minister Kim Ki Woong will deliver a lecture at Seoul National
University today at 3:30 P.M.
3. Q&A
Q) Could you confirm a report this morning that an inter-Korean
exchange organization solely took the local government subsidies and
failed to send humanitarian aid to North Korea? Also could you
elaborate on how the Unification Ministry is managing follow-up
measures after approving the delivery of humanitarian aid to the
North, whether the approved items are actually being sent as the
responsible organization declared?
A) Regarding the report, we are currently looking into the matter.
Once confirmed, the Ministry will take necessary actions.
The Ministry approves a request to deliver humanitarian aid to North
Korea, and the relevant organization is required to submit a summary
report after the delivery is made in accordance with the Ministry’s
internal regulations.
Q) So if there was nothing sent to the North, there is no need
for the report?
A) I would have to double check on that, but there would be nothing
to report if the delivery did not occur.
Q) After the first satellite launch last week, North Korea
mentioned that it would not notify the IMO of the impact point of its
carrier in the future. On June 2 and 3, there were reports about
unusual activities detected near the main launch pad at North Korea’s
Sohae Satellite Launching Ground. What is the Ministry’s take on the
North’s statement in terms of its intentions and could you share any
updates on related trends?
A) It is very disappointing that North Korea indicated it may not
notify the IMO of its plans to launch a satellite, which is
increasingly distancing itself from international norms and common
sense. Let me make it clear that such an attitude will only deepen its
international isolation and the suffering of its people. We once again
urge North Korea to choose the right path for its future.
As for the trends in missile launches, we are monitoring the
situation with the relevant ministries.
Q) Regarding Kim Yo
Jong’s statement of not giving an advance notice, this could have
serious implications on South Korea’s fishermen or naval vessels. Is
there any governmental discussions involving the Unification Ministry
to respond for that?
A) We do not have additional information at this point.
