Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Monday,
November 20, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:37 A.M.
1. Unification Minister to meet with UNC Commander
Today at 11 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will visit Camp
Humphreys United Nations Command (UNC) in Pyeongtaek to meet with
General Paul LaCamera. They will discuss collaborative measures
between the Unification Ministry and the UNC.
This meeting with Minister Kim and the UNC Commander aligns with the
Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s focus on strengthening ties with the
UNC. President Yoon emphasized the significance of the UNC during his
interactions with key figures on August 10 and specifically
highlighted the seven rear bases provided to the UNC by Japan in his
address on the 78th Liberation Day on August 15. In addition, the
Government recently hosted the ROK-UNC Member States Defense
Ministerial Meeting on November 14.
The Unification Ministry anticipates that this meeting will
underscore the importance and value of South Korea’s security within
the UNC and foster greater collaboration.
Continuing its efforts, the Unification Ministry will continue to
communicate with the UNC and its member states to realize the vision
of a unified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace, as confirmed
during the Camp David Summit on August 18. As part of this initiative,
the Ministry has organized a policy briefing on November 21 for
ambassadors to South Korea from UNC member states involved in the
Korean War.
2. Minister’s Schedule
On November 21, at 9 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho will
attend the cabinet meeting, and at 11:30 A.M., he will attend a
briefing for ambassadors to South Korea from UNC member states
participated to the Korean War, during which he will deliver
congratulatory remarks.
On November 23, at 7:40 A.M., Minister Kim will attend a breakfast
meeting held by the Incheon Business Forum and deliver a lecture on
the unification policy of the Yoon Suk Yeol government.
On the same day, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend a plenary
session of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs & Unification
Committee, followed by an alumni event at the National Institute for
Unification Education at 7 P.M.
On November 24, at 9:30 A.M., Minister Kim will attend an academic
conference held by the National Unification Advisory Council and
deliver congratulatory remarks. At 1:40 P.M., there will be a workshop
for the Ministry’s employees where Minister Kim will deliver opening
remarks. The workshop will conclude with the screening of the
documentary film “Beyond Utopia” at 3:45 P.M., which will be open for journalists.
3. Q&A
Q) You just mentioned that Minister Kim and Commander LaCamera will
discuss future collaborative measures. I was wondering if there are
any plans to discuss the reactivation of the UNC in the meeting.
A) As the matter is related to defense affairs, this is not
something for the Unification Ministry to discuss.
Q) Last week, there was North Korea’s Missile Industry Day, however,
North Korea seemed to pass quitely without any developments even
related to his daughter over the weekend. What is the Ministry’s take
on this?
A) In 2021, North Korea designated a "Rocket Industry
Day," and at times, there were no special activities. Likewise,
there is not much to evaluate from the fact that there were no
particular moves from North Korea.
Q) The South Korean military warned North Korea to immediately cease
military satellite reconnaissance launches. The military mentioned
taking necessary actions if North Korea proceeds with the satellite
launch. I believe taking such necessary measures requires coordination
with the Unification Ministry. Are there any ongoing discussions
related to this?
Also, has the government shared information indicating that the
satellite launch will proceed within the next week?
Lastly, in the military’s announcement, they used the term 'military
reconnaissance satellite,' whereas 'so called space launch vehicle
which used ballistic missile technology' was used for the two previous
instances. Has the terminology been officially changed within the government?
A) On your first question, the Government will comprehensively
review and consider necessary measures while monitoring North Korea's
actions concerning the September 19 Military agreement.
Regarding your second question, I understand there was an NSC
meeting this morning and a briefing by the Joint Chiefs of Staff as
well. We are closely sharing information with relevant ministries
about North Korea's potential third satellite launch, but we do not
have specific details to confirm at this point.
About the terminology change, the third satellite launch has yet to
take place. For the first satellite launch, the remains of satellites
were recovered to confirm their nature. Therefore, discussions on how
to define the satellite will likely happen after the a third satellite
launch takes place in the future.
Q) My first question was not specifically about the September 19
Military Agreement. However, considering your response that the
"military will take necessary measures," referring to the
September 19 Military Agreement, is it okay to understand your answer
as contemplating the suspension of the September 19 Military Agreement?
A) I reiterated the Government’s basic stance regarding the
September 19 Military Agreement.