Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Monday,
September 4, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:33 A.M.
1. Minister’s Schedule
From 10 A.M. today, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho is attending
the Special Committee on Budget & Accounts for non-economic
ministries to examine next year’s budget bills.
On September 5, Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting at 10
A.M. and the National Assembly’s interpellation session on political
sectors at 2 P.M.
On September 6, Minister Kim will attend the National Assembly’s
interpellation session on foreign affairs, unification, and security
sectors at 2 P.M.
On September 8, Minister Kim will attend the opening ceremony of the
Unification Plus(+) Center in Mokpo City which will cover the
southwestern region of Korea. Minister Kim will sign a memorandum of
understanding (MOU) with Governor Kim Yung-rok of Jeollanam-do
province regarding the operation of the center. After delivering
congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony, the Minister will
invite and meet with North Korean defectors living in Mokpo City.
2. Q&A
Q) What is the Ministry of Unification's position on lawmaker Yoon
Meehyang’s participation in an event organized by Chongryon, the
General Association of Korean Residents in Japan?
A) The Government maintains its basic stance that it pursues
establishing a system of inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation in
accordance with laws and principles. This matter will also be reviewed
in this manner.
Q) Could you confirm a report that the Unification Ministry is
creating brand identity (BI) and slogans related to abductees and
detainees? If so, could you also confirm if it includes POWs, and when
you plan to announce the results?
R) The Ministry has been conducting relevant research projects on
the issue of abductees and detainees, recognizing the need for
expressing the Government's determination to resolve the issue and
spread the public consensus. As further procedures of collecting
opinions and reassessment are required, we are not in a position to
finalize a specific symbol at this time. Whether or not to include
content related to POWs will also be discussed during this review process.
Q) Does this mean that there is a possibility that POWs will be included?
A) There is nothing we can confirm at this moment.
