Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Monday,
July 31, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:34 A.M.
1. Minister’s Schedule
Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho began the official work by visiting
and paying his tribute at the Seoul National Cemetery at 9 A.M. today.
On August 1, Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting at 10 A.M.
2. Vice Minister’s Schedule
On August 3, Vice Minister Moon Seoung-hyun will attend the vice
minister’s conference at 9 A.M.
3. Q&A
Q) A North Korean publisher, affiliated with the United Front
Department of the WPK, recently released a book, blaming South Korea
as the world's most atrocious region for human rights violations. What
is the Ministry’s take on this?
A) The Ministry has consistently maintained its stance that it does
not comment on the North’s propaganda media, however, the book reveals
how far off the North is from the universal standards shared by the
international community.
Q) North Korea's military parade ended just a few days ago. There
were diplomatic events, hosting delegations from China and Russia,
whereas some events, such as the Conference of War Veterans, did not
take place. Could you comment on your overall assessment of the
military parade?
A) From July 25 to 27, Kim Jong Un attended 10 events including the
military parade. Overall, North Korea appears to have organized the
celebration more as a goodwill gesture with the Chinese and Russian
delegations than as an internal political event, sending a message to
the outside world of solidarity with China and Russia.
As reported by the North Korean media, North Korea held a
large-scale military parade at Kim Il Sung Square on July 27. The
Ministry condemns North Korea’s staging of a large-scale show of force
following the recent series of ballistic missile launches, despite
concerns and warnings of the Republic of Korea and the international
community, while ignoring the livelihood of its residents.
In particular, the Ministry expresses its deep regrets that, despite
the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement, North
Korea continues to pursue nuclear development and maintain a
confrontational stance rather than seeking denuclearization and peace.
North Korea must cease its nuclear development and military
provocations and take the right path towards a denuclearized, peaceful
and prosperous Korean Peninsula.
Q) You mentioned that Kim Jong Un attended 10 events. While it has
not been confirmed that Kim Jong Un hosted a banquet for Russia, he
sat down with the head of a Chinese delegation and held a banquet on
July 28. Being aware that Kim Jong Un held exclusive high-level talks
with the Chinese delegation, does the Ministry still stand by the
previous assessment that Russia was granted more favorable treatment
than China in terms of protocol?
A) There is no change in the Ministry’s view regarding this event,
as stated in the material that has been distributed.
