Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 10:30-10:40 A.M.
1. Minister’s Schedule
Minister Kim Yung Ho will attend the cabinet meeting on April 29 at
8:30 A.M.
At 2 P.M., Minister Kim will attend a special lecture and
demonstration on AI for senior Ministry officials.
On May 1, at 9:30 A.M., Minister Kim will attend an event inviting
employees’ children to the Ministry in celebration of ‘family month.’
On May 2, at 1 P.M., Minsiter Kim will visit a North Korean human
rights experience exhibition.
2. Vice Minister’s Schedule
Vice Minister Kim Soo Kyung will visit a community child center for
North Korean defectors on the occasion of Children’s Day on April 30
at 3 P.M.
On May 1, at 9:30 A.M., Vice Minister Kim will attend the vice
ministers’ conference.
3. Q&A
Q. North Korea has revealed its participation in the war with
Russia. What do you think is the North’s intention and what is the
Unification Ministry’s position?
A. The ROK Government strongly condemns the North’s deployment of
troops to support Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. It is a grave
provocation that threatens not only our security but also global
security extending beyond Europe, while also a blatant violation of UN
Security Council resolutions.
Regardless of the North’s efforts to cover the truth, the fact
remains that the troop dispatch is an illegal act that violates
international norms, and an inhumane and unethical act that sacrifices
North Korean youth for the sake of the regime’s stability.
The ROK Government calls for the immediate withdrawal of North
Korean troops. It will not tolerate continued military collusion
between the North and Russia, firmly responding in cooperation with
the international community.
Q. North Korea claims that the military activities “fully conform to
all the provisions and the spirit of the UN Charter and other
international laws.” Could you explain in what way it violates
international norms?
A. The UN Charter rejects wars of aggression. It is clear that this
issue began with Russia’s illegal invasion, and the North’s military
deployment to Russia violates numerous UN Security Council resolutions
that prohibit military cooperation with the North. UN Security Council
resolutions prohibit all forms of arms trade, financial transactions
related to military weapons, as well as the provision of technical
training, advice, services, or assistance with the North.
Q. North Korea’s Central Military Commission of its party made the
announcement. Does the Ministry have any comments on the fact that it
was issued by the commission rather than a statement issued by Kim Yo
Jong or any other individual?
A. The Ministry is looking into various aspects concerning the
North’s official confirmation of its deployment, including the timing
and format of the announcement. We will provide further explanation if
and when necessary.
Q. The treaty between North Korea and Russia includes a clause
stating immediate intervention in case of an emergency between the two
countries. This seems to imply that Russian forces can intervene in
the event of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula. Has such a clause
been included in the past? What is the Unification Ministry’s position
on this?
A. That provision was included in the treaty signed between Russia
and the North last year. It is not appropriate for the Ministry to
provide an interpretation of the text here and now. The Government
issued a strong statement of condemnation at the time.
Q. There is continued talk about the possibility of Kim Jong Un
visiting Russia. Does the Government have any information on this?
A. The Government is monitoring a range of media reports, but there
is no information regarding President Kim Jong Un’s possible visit to
Russia that we can confirm at this stage.
Q. Families of North Korean abduction victims carried out a surprise
launch of anti-North Korea leaflets over the weekend. Has the Ministry
been communicating with this group? The Minister has mentioned at the
National Assembly in the past, implying that the Government will
manage the distribution of leaflets. Did the launch over the weekend
happen despite such communication efforts?
A. The Ministry has requested the organization to exercise careful
judgment regarding the dissemination of leaflets on a number of occasions.
Q. Party secretary Jo Yong Won has seemingly resumed public
activity. What is the Ministry’s assessment, and are there any
thoughts regarding Ri Il Hwan?
A. The North’s party secretary Jo Yong Won appeared in state media
for the first time in about two months. He was only observed in
images, with no reference to his official title. The Ministry will
continue to monitor related developments without making assumptions,
including whether he resumes to accompany President Kim Jong Un and
whether his official position is confirmed. As for secretary Ri Il
Hwan, there is no additional information for us to provide.
Q. The North Korean authorities have officially confirmed that there
were casualties at the Kursk front. Does this mean that the families
of soldiers were aware of their deployment? How would North Korean
residents react to this? Reports suggest there have been thousands of casualties.
A. The Ministry is closely monitoring related developments. There is
no specific information we can provide at this stage.
Q. Is there ongoing communication regarding the repatriation of the
two North Korean prisoners of war held in Ukraine? How is the
Unification Ministry monitoring this situation?
A. Due to the personal and sensitive nature of the matter, the
Ministry cannot provide specific details regarding negotiations.
