Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Monday,
October 30, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.
1. Unification Ministry’s Stance on the outcomes of the FATF Plenary
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) reaffirmed North Korea for
the 13th consecutive year as one of the high-risk jurisdictions for
its money laundering at the plenary held in Paris from October 23 to 27.
According to the Panel of Experts disclosed on October 27 by the UN
Security Council’s Sanctions Committee on North Korea, the amount of
crypto assets stolen by hackers from North Korea’s Reconnaissance
General Bureau increased to more than $1.7 billion (2.3 trillion KRW)
last year, tripling the previous year.
As such, North Korea’s stealing of illicit funds to finance its
regime and WMD development is becoming increasingly bold in its
methods and scale.
The key to revolving all issues on the Korean Peninsula, including
the denuclearization of North Korea and the promotion of human rights,
lies in disconnecting the flow of ‘black money’ to the Kim Jong Un regime.
The Government will continue to actively work with the international
community to prevent North Korea’s sanctions evasion and illicit
financing activities.
2. Minister’s Schedule
Today at 7 A.M., Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho had a breakfast
meeting with senior pastors at the Far East Broadcasting Company, and
he is attending the cabinet meeting from 10 A.M. Minister Kim will
meet with members of the Korea-Germany Parliamentary Group at 3 P.M.
On October 31, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the address by
President Yoon Suk Yeol proposing the Government’s budget plan for
2024 and plans for fiscal operations, held at the National Assembly.
On November 1, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend a forum
co-hosted by the Unification Ministry and the Korea Institute for
National Unification themed on the future of North Korea’s economy and
deliver opening remarks.
On November 2, at 5 P.M., there will be an event to celebrate the
27th anniversary of the Korean Council for Reconciliation and
Cooperation, and the Minister’s congratulatory remarks will be
delivered by Vice Minister Moon Seoung-hyun on his behalf.
On November 3, at 11:30 A.M., Minister Kim will attend a festival to
raise awareness on unification held at the Center for Unified Korean
Future in Yeoncheon-gun to deliver remarks. At 4 P.M., the Minister
will visit newly renovated Planning and Coordination Office, which has
adopted a smart office environment.
3. Q&A
Q) As Mr. Kim Byeong-do, who was abducted to North Korea in the
1970s and returned to South Korea, recently passed away, the role of
the Abductees Response Team, which was established last month, and the
Abductees Response Committee have been in the spotlight. Could you
explain the efforts that the Unification Ministry is making to resolve
the abductees issue?
In addition, could you confirm a report that the Abductees Response
Committee will be convened in November?
A) Yesterday, the policy advisor to the Minister of Unification
traveled to Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do to pay his tribute to Mr. Kim
Byeong-do. The Ministry is considering various feasible measures
regarding the issue of abductees. We will let you know as soon as they
are finalized.
I will check first and let you know for your second question.
Q) North Korea had announced to launch a military reconnaissance
satellite by October. Are there any related developments so far?
Secondly, have there been many cases of North Korea making
announcements through the KCNA and not implementing them? Do you
consider it a common occurrence?
A) Regarding North Korea’s satellite launches, we are not aware of
any unusual activities.
We may be able to find some cases of North Korea not carrying out
its words if we narrow the scope to ‘satellite launches.’ However, as
far as I remember, there have been many other cases in inter-Korean
relations that the North has not implemented what it had openly announced.
Q) How does the Unification Ministry analyze the fact that North
Korea has yet to launch a satellite in October as it had publicized?
A) I will not make any particular assessment or analysis of what
North Korea made an announcement but has not followed through on. The
North simply did not pursue what should not have been done in the
first place.
Q) Are there any updates on the recent defection that
Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho mentioned during the inspection of
state administration? According to the minister, the four people
confirmed that there was a serious food shortage in North Korea. Does
this mean that you have reached the stage to determine that they are
willing to defect to South Korea?
A) There is nothing to confirm at this stage as the investigation is
ongoing. Let me say that except for any particular circumstance, we do
not disclose any information in respect of their desire and physical safety.
Q) As mentioned during the inspection of state administration at
the National Assembly, there is still a debate on the effectiveness of
the September 19 Military Agreement. Though you mentioned this before,
could you please reiterate the government's position on the September
19 Military Agreement?
A) Based on a comprehensive assessment of the security situation,
the Government will consider suspending the effect of the September 19
Military Agreement if deemed necessary for national security reasons.
Q) As following up of the previous question, what is the
analysis and speculation of the government and the Unification
Ministry of North Korea’s intention that it has not launched a
military reconnaissance satellite this month, contrary to its announcement.
A) It would be better not to officially make assumptions about why
North Korea has not launched reconnaissance satellites.
Q) You mentioned that the policy advisor to the Unification
Minister delivered his tribute to Mr. Kim Byeong-do. I am aware that
the number of returnees from North Korea, including abductees and
POWs, is not large, and the government delivering condolences could be
a message in some ways. Could you explain what it was like for the two
previous returnees from North Korea?
A) Let me check the relevant information and let you know.