On May 3, Unification Minister Kwon Youngse delivered a
congratulatory speech at the opening symposium celebrating the
founding of Korea University’s Institute for National Unification and
Convergence and discussed healthcare issues of South and North Korea.
Minister Kwon said, “As stated in the Annual Report on the Status of
Human Rights in North Korea published by the Unification Ministry last
month, even at this moment, our compatriots in the North are living a
difficult life where they cannot even enjoy basic medical benefits.”
He added that “it is the North Korean authorities that are most
responsible as they are solely focusing on nuclear and missile
development while neglecting the livelihoods of their own people, but
we cannot ignore the suffering of these people.”
Moreover, “As confirmed during the recent ROK-U.S. Summit by the
leaders, the Yoon administration will not stop its efforts to improve
the humanitarian situation of North Koreans regardless of the
political and military situation.”
Minister Kwon “once again strongly urged the North to stop
provocations and threats that do not do any good for them and to come
out onto the path of cooperation for the livelihoods and health of
North Koreans.”
