Date: Monday, March 21, 2022
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.
1. Ministry to set up information center on unification
The unification ministry will build a database center on unification
in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province by 2025.
The Ministry first opened the Information Center on North Korea in
1989, and has been providing books, digital and video archives on
unification and North Korea to the public. However, over the years a
number of issues have been insistently raised including a lack of
space with the increasing number of books at the center.
Accordingly, the Ministry decided to expand and relocate the place
by building a library specialized in unification and North Korea. The
facility will serve multiple functions, such as collecting, storing,
and displaying historical archives, and providing a space for
activities related to North Korea and unification.
The Ministry will strive to make the library a hub for North Korean
research and planning for Korean unification.
2. Q&A
Q. Do you have any comment on North Korea firing multiple rocket
launchers toward the West Sea yesterday(3.20)? Do you see this as a
violation of the September 19 Military Agreement?
A. The ROK military confirmed the North firing short-range
projectiles presumed to be multiple rocket launchers into the West Sea
yesterday morning. Following the launch, the Government convened an
emergency vice-ministerial meeting and stated that it will raise
awareness and keep a close eye on North Korea’s recent series of
missile launches, and maintain a firm defense readiness posture to
prevent from creating a security vacuum in the midst of a change of
government.Upholding the position announced by the National Security
Council, the unification ministry, together with relevant agencies and
countries concerned, will manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula
peacefully and stably while thoroughly preparing for all
possibilities. As for the nature and implications of the launch, an
in-depth analysis of the specifications of the projectiles is
currently underway in cooperation with the U.S. The Ministry will make
an evaluation based on the analysis. Lastly, the Ministry urges the
North to immediately stop unilaterally creating tension that runs
contrary to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and return to
the path of dialogue and cooperation as proposed by the South and the
international community.
Q. What do you think is the reason behind the North Korean
propaganda media’s increased frequency and level of criticism against
the South?
A. The Government is closely monitoring the North Korean propaganda
media’s increased frequency and level of criticism against the South
on a number of security matters including ROKG’s statement regarding
North Korea’s consecutive missile launches. As the Government holds a
stance that it does not comment on unilateral claims of North Korean
propaganda media, it will not directly comment or make a statement
about the intentions of recent criticism toward the South. However,
North Korea should recognize that mutual respect is a matter that has
been agreed upon a number of times between the South and the North,
and is the basic foundation for the advancement of inter-Korean relations.
Q. What is the situation with regard to establishing a base office
of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Support Association with
China placing stringent lockdown under its zero-Covid policy?
A. The Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Support Association is
in the process of establishing a base office in the border area
between North Korea and China to support inter-Korean exchange and
cooperation promoted by domestic companies and organizations in China
and overseas, and alleviate difficulties while pursuing business.The
base office is making preparations to open this year, and the specific
time of its opening, size of the office, and method of operation will
be determined by thoroughly considering the local conditions including
the spread of Covid-19, quarantine measures, and developments in the
border area between North Korea and China.