| November 2 | Statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry
of Unification on the inter-Korean liaison communication channel
(Briefing)
o It is deeply regrettable that inter-Korean
communication channels have been severed for 210 days since
North Korea stopped responding to regular calls on April 7,
2023.
- We have been attempting regular communication
twice a day as agreed upon between South and North Korea, but
the North has not been responding.
o As seen in the
rescue of a North Korean vessel stranded near the Northern Limit
Line (NLL) in the East Sea on October 29, the communications
channel is an indispensable channel for the notification and
consultation of maritime rescue and disasters that should not be
suspended under any circumstances.
- Maintaining the
liaison channel is a humanitarian matter that is linked to the
lives and safety of both South Koreans and North Korean
residents. |
| November 3 |
Response by the spokesperson for North
Korea’s Foreign Ministry on a series of embassy closures,
“Efficiently reallocating and operating the country’s diplomatic
capabilities is a normal occurrence.” |
| November 3 | Statement by the spokesperson for the EU, “The
EU strongly condemns any arms trade between Russia and North
Korea and urges them to abide by the UN Security Council
resolutions.” |
| November 3
| South Korea-Ireland Summit (Seoul)
･ President Yoon, “Ireland is a friendly nation that
shares the same values.” “We formed a consensus on a stern
response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile provocations.”
Irish Prime Minister, “South Korea is a key partner in the
Asia-Pacific region.” |
|
November 3 | The U.S.
Department of the Treasury notified financial institutions of
FATF’s identification of North Korea as a high-risk
jurisdiction |
| November 4
| Kim Myong-chol, a North Korean critic
of international studies, commented on the contribution posted
by the U.S. National Security Advisor, denouncing that “the U.S.
is magnifying the outcomes of its foreign policy.” (October 24,
Foreign Affairs) (Rodong) |
|
November 5 | North Korea held
a meeting of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly
(Rodong/KCNA) |
| November 7 to
8 | The G7 Foreign Ministers’
Meeting issued a joint statement (November 8) condemning North
Korea’s nuclear program and the illicit arms transfer between
North Korea and Russia (Tokyo)
･ “We condemn North
Korea’s ballistic missile provocation and urge North Korea and
Russia to stop the illegal arms transfer. Such actions are
deemed violations of the UN Security Council resolutions.” |
| November 8 (Local) | South Korea-Italy Summit (Seoul)
･
President Yoon, “I hope that South Korea will be able to
strengthen future-oriented cooperation with Italy, which shares
the universal values.” |
|
November 8 | North Korea
issued a statement opposing the South Korean Constitutional
Court’s decision to strike down a ban on the cross-border
leaflet campaign using an individual pseudonym (KCNA) |
| November 9 | The spokesperson for the Ministry of
Unification warns North Korea against “acting rashly” on the
South Korean Constitutional Court’s decision
･ “The
distribution of leaflets into North Korea is a voluntary
activity carried out by civic groups in accordance with the
freedom of expression
guaranteed in South Korea’s Constitution. We sternly warn the
North against acting rashly using the Constitutional Court’s
decision striking down the cross-border leaflet campaign ban as
a pretext.” |
| November 9
| U.S. Secretary of State visited South
Korea
･ △ Director of National Security-U.S. Secretary of
State meeting △ South Korean President-U.S. Secretary of State
luncheon △ South Korean Foreign Minister-U.S. Secretary of State
talks
･ “We shared concerns about North Korea’s
provocations and strongly condemn the North for providing Russia
with military equipment and supplies.” “The ROK and the U.S.
pledged to continue their close coordination to ramp up extended
deterrence execution capabilities.” |
| November 11 | Remarks by the spokesperson of North Korea’s
Foreign Ministry, “We will take strong response measures if the
U.S. continues pressure on North Korea and Russia.” (KCNA) |
| November 12 | North Korea held a meeting of the Presidium of
the SPA (Rodong/KCNA) |
|
November 12 | Defense chiefs
of the ROK, U.S., and Japan (virtually) held a trilateral
meeting, “The real-time missile warning data sharing mechanism
will be operational by the end of this year. Systemic and
efficient trilateral exercises are scheduled to be conducted
from January of next year.” |
|
November 13 | The 55th
Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), a joint press conference
with defense chiefs of the ROK and U.S.
･ President Yoon,
“North Korea is directly and indirectly involved in Russia’s war
with Ukraine and the clashes between Israel and Hamas. South
Korea and the United States must maintain a combined defense
posture to immediately punish North Korea in the case of any
Hamas-style provocations.” |
|
November 13 | Statement by the
Institute for Disarmament and Peace at the Foreign Ministry of
North Korea, “The UNC is a U.S.-led aggression organization. The
UNC’s defense ministerial meeting (November 14) is an attempt to
start a new war of aggression.” (Rodong/KCNA) |
| November 13 | Remarks by the spokesperson of North Korea’s
Foreign Ministry on the ROK-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ meeting
(November 9), “Blinken’s
remarks were irresponsible and provocative. The way to relieve
concerns is to withdraw pressure on North Korea and Russia.
DPRK-Russia ties will further develop.” (KCNA) |
| November 13 | North Korea condemned the G7 Foreign Ministers’
Meeting (November 8) rebuking the North, saying, “The G7, a
puppet that plays into the U.S. fingertips, is better off to
disappear.” (Rodong/KCNA) |
|
November 14 | President Yoon’s
written interview with the Associated Press
･ △ “The
military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is a serious
threat and we will discuss ways to strengthen cooperation at the
APEC meeting.” △ “North Korea’s plan to launch a military
reconnaissance satellite indicates it wants to advance its
nuclear delivery vehicle.” △ “An effective way to prevent North
Korea from miscalculating is to demonstrate our robust
deterrence capabilities and determination.” |
| November 14 (Local) | ROK-U.S.-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, “We
will jointly respond to the military cooperation between Russia
and North Korea with the international community based on close
trilateral coordination. We agreed to cooperate in blocking
North Korea’s illicit cyber activities.” (San Francisco) |
| November 14 | ROK-UNC Defense Ministerial Meeting, “North
Korea must cease any unlawful behavior, including its nuclear
and ballistic missile programs. The UNC member states will unite
upon any renewal of hostilities or armed attack on the Korean
Peninsula challenging the principles of the UN.” |
| November 14 | The Director General of the International
Organization Department at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry
condemned the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement, saying, “North
Korea resolutely denounces and strongly condemns it. The G7,
which has lost the justification for its existence, should be
dismantled immediately.” (KCNA) |
|
November 15 to 17 (Local) | APEC Summit (San Francisco)
･ President
Yoon, “I will emphasize that the illegal cooperation between
Russia and North Korea is a serious threat to security in the
world, and discuss ways to cooperate with the leaders of the
member states to address the illegal cooperation that undermines
the global norms.” |
| November
15 | The 3rd Committee for the 78th
session of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on North
Korean human rights and urged member states to end forced
repatriation of North Korean defectors |
| November 15 | The
10th meeting of the Trade, Economic, Scientific and
Technological Cooperation Committee between the DPRK and Russia
(November 16, Rodong/KCNA) ･ As a follow-up to the Russia-North
Korea Summit (September 13), the two countries have signed a
protocol on expanding mutual exchanges and cooperation in
different fields, including trade, economy, science and
technology. |
| November 15
| North Korea’s General Missile Bureau
conducted ground jet tests of a new type of high-thrust
solid-fuel engine for intermediate-range ballistic missiles
(IRBMs) (Rodong/KCNA) |
|
November 16 | South
Korea-Japan Summit (San Francisco) |
| November 16 | The
spokesperson for North Korea’s Defense Ministry condemned the
55th ROK-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) (KCNA) |
| November 20 | The JCS (Chief Directorate of Intelligence)
warned North Korea regarding the military reconnaissance
satellite launch
o North Korea is pushing to launch the
satellite despite repeated warnings from South Korea and the
U.S. as well as the international community. The launch is a
violation of the UN Security Council Resolution and a
provocation that threatens South Korea’s national security.
o Despite warnings from the international community,
North Korea has fired over 30 times with around 70 ballistic
missile last year, and this year they have already fired 30
ballistic missiles.
- Moreover, North Korea has attempted
to launch so-called military spy satellite twice, but both
attempts have ended in failure. Now, they are attempting a third
launch.
o Since the signing of the Inter-Korean Basic
Agreement in 1991, the two Koreas have signed numerous
agreements, but North Korea has consistently violated them.
o In the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration of September 2018,
North Korea agreed to permanently dismantle the Dongchang-ri
missile engine test site and launch platform. However, these
facilities have been further developed and are still
operational, constituting a violation of the previous agreement.
- Moreover, North Korea has rendered the September 19
Military Agreement null and void. The North violated
explicit provisions, including coastal artillery firings,
gunfire provocations, missile launches towards the South of the
NLL, and drone infiltrations. Not only that, but also they have
opened coastal gates more than 3,400 times.
o The
behavior shown by North Korea so far clearly indicates that the
North has no commitment to comply with agreements at all.
o In the face of North Korea’s repeated violations of
agreements, our military has exercised patience and abided by
the provisions of the military agreement. This, however, has led
to significant vulnerabilities in our military readiness
posture.
o North Korea’s military reconnaissance
satellite launch is a significant threat to our security as it
is part of putting its nuclear and missile threat into action,
including improving the capabilities of ICBMs.
-
Moreover, North Korea’s military reconnaissance satellites
function to strengthen the North’s surveillance and
reconnaissance capabilities against us. Accepting restrictions
on information monitoring activities in the contact zone in
accordance with the September 19 Military Agreement would
greatly reduce the military’s readiness, and result in the
inability to protect the lives and safety of the people.
o We sternly warn North Korea to acknowledge the constant and
stern condemnations from the international community regarding
its illicit behaviors and to immediately cease preparations for
the military reconnaissance satellite launch that is underway.
o If North Korea proceeds with the military
reconnaissance satellite launch despite our warnings, our
military will take necessary measures to protect the lives and
safety of our people. |
|
November 20 | The vice
director general of the North Korean Defense Ministry’s General
Bureau of Equipment condemned the U.S. for selling advanced
weapons to South Korea and Japan (KCNA) |
| November 21 | Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch
of the “Malligyong-1 military reconnaissance satellite”
(November 22, KCNA/KCBC)
･ Launched a military
reconnaissance satellite from the Dongchang-ri launching site at
22:43.
< Opinions of the Ministry of
Unification (November 22) >
o “North Korea has
consistently violated the September 19 Military Agreement, and
its launch of the so-called ‘military spy satellite’ is aimed at
enhancing its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities
against us, coupled with the improvement of ICBM capabilities.
The launch is a significant threat to our security as it is part
of putting its nuclear and missile threat into action.”
-
In response, we have taken minimal defensive measures for the
lives of our people and the national security by resolving
restrictions on our military reconnaissance and surveillance
activities.
< Top Nuclear Envoys of South
Korea, the U.S. and Japan (November 22) >
o “Even if
the North claims the launch to be a military spy satellite, any
launch using ballistic missile technology is a violation of the
UN resolutions.” |
| November
21 | A researcher of North Korea’s
National Aerospace Technology General Bureau claimed legitimacy
for reconnaissance satellite development, condemning “the U.S.
getting hell-bent on space militarization” (KCNA) |
| November 22 | The partial suspension of the September 19
Military Agreement (Informed North Korea after Cabinet
deliberation)
< Statement by NSC Standing
Committee (November 22) >
o On November 21, North
Korea went through with the launch of a so-called “military spy
satellite” despite repeated warnings from the international
community. The launch, utilizing ballistic missile technology,
constitutes a clear violation of multiple UN Security Council
resolutions, including Resolution 1718 and 1874, prohibiting
such actions regardless of success. It is a direct threat not
only to our security but also to global peace.
o North
Korea has unilaterally violated agreements made and signed
between South and North Korean authorities.
- The spirit
of the July 4 South-North Joint Communique in 1972, the
Inter-Korean Basic Agreement in 1991, the June 15 South-North
Joint Declaration in 2000, the October 4 Declaration in 2007,
and the Panmunjeom Declaration and the September 19 Military
Agreement in 2018 aimed at mutual respect, alleviating military
tensions, and jointly creating a peaceful and prosperous Korean
Peninsula.
- However, North Korea blew up the Office of
Inter-Korean Joint Liaison, built by the previous South Korean
government, in June 2020, showing inter-Korean dialogue and
cooperation can be brought to naught anytime.
- North
Korea has consistently violated the September 19 Military
Agreement by firing ballistic missiles about 100 times last year
and this year, opening coastal gates thousands of times,
conducting coastal artillery firing drills, firing guns at the
central front, and infiltrating the metropolitan area using
drones.
o Furthermore, North Korea said the launch of a
so-called military spy satellite is intended to monitor military
activities of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, and to ensure
preemptive use of its military capacity.
- Moreover,
North Korea has legislated the nuclear force-building policy in
September last year and stipulated it in the constitution this
September, which is a blatant nuclear threat against South
Korea.
o Amid such situation, due to the restrictions of
the September 19 Military Agreement, our security posture in the
border district has become more vulnerable.
- Our
identification capacity for North Korea’s long range artilleries
and military training is restricted. We cannot neglect the
situation where the lives and property of our people, which are
exposed to the risk of North Korea’s surprise attacks, depends
on North Korea’s goodwill.
o In response, the South
Korean government will suspend the effectiveness of Article 1,
Clause 3 of the September 19 Military Agreement and restore
reconnaissance and surveillance operations against the North in
the area around the Military Demarcation Line.
- This is
due process as stipulated in Article 23 of the Development of
Inter-Korean Relations Act.
o Such measure will
significantly enhance our military’s capability to identify and
respond to North Korean threats. It is a minimal defensive
measure taken to ensure the safety of residents in the Five West
Sea Islands, including Yeonpyeong-do and Baengnyeong-do, and
protect the lives of 50 million South Koreans.
o It is a
legitimate measure to protect South Korean security against
North Korea’s consistent violations of the September 19 Military
Agreement, nuclear and missile threats, and all sorts of
provocations.
o Suspension of other provisions in effect
of the September 19 Military Agreement will be determined based
on North Korea’s future actions.
o We also made it clear
that we are always open to dialogue with the North to discuss
alleviating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The Yoon Suk Yeol
administration will respond sternly to any provocations from
North Korea while prioritizing the safety of the South Korean
people through a strong security posture. |
| November 22 | ROK-UK
Summit, Downing Street Accord (Downing Street, London)
･
“We condemn the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s
unlawful nuclear and missile development that poses a serious
threat to international peace and security. The DPRK must
abandon all its existing nuclear programmes in a complete,
verifiable and irreversible manner.”
･ “The UK supports
the objectives of the ROK for a denuclearized, peaceful and
prosperous Korean Peninsula. The two sides strongly urge the
DPRK to immediately cease unlawful and destabilizing activities,
return to meaningful dialogue and work towards peace. We oppose
all forms of arms transfer and related military cooperation
between the DPRK and Russia, and urge the two sides to abide by
relevant resolutions. The ROK and the UK commit to strengthening
cooperation aimed at raising awareness of violations and abuses
of human rights, and convincing the DPRK to respect and observe
human rights. We support a unified Korean Peninsula that is free
and at peace.” |
| November
22 | 10 countries, including the
ROK, the U.S., and Japan, signed a joint statement condemning
the DPRK regarding the satellite launch
･ 10 nations
(South Korea, the U.S., Japan, the UK, France, Albania, Ecuador,
Malta, Switzerland, and the UAE) |
|
November 22 | Joint Statement
by G7 Foreign Ministers and EU High Representatives, “We condemn
in the strongest terms and North Korea cannot and will never
have the status of a nuclear-weapon State.” |
| November 22 | Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un visited the
Pyeongyang General Control Center of the National Aerospace
Technology Administration (November 22, KCNA/November 23,
Rodong) |
| November 23 |
The North Korean Defense Ministry
threatened to deploy new weapons along the border in opposition
to South Korea’s partial suspension of the September 19 Military
Agreement in a statement (KCNA)
< Opinions of
the Ministry of Unification (November 23) >
o The
South Korean government denounced the North Korean Defense
Ministry’s statement as a far-fetched claim, and strongly
condemned Pyeongyang’s threat to deploy new weapons along the
border.
o South Korea’s partial suspension of the
September 19 Military Agreement is a just and self-defense
measure that can be taken at a minimum at a time when the North
has constantly violated the deal and continued its nuclear and
missile threats and provocations against us.
- In
particular, we have warned North Korea several times that we
will make necessary measures to protect the lives and safety of
our people if the North presses ahead with a so-called “military
spy satellite” launch.
o The government clearly states
that North Korea will face an overwhelming and stern response if
it stages provocations in border areas.
o We reiterate
that South Korea is always open to talks with North Korea to
discuss ways to defuse tensions on the Korean Peninsula. We urge
the North to break free from the wrong path of provocations and
threats and come out onto the path of dialogue and
cooperation. |
| November 23
| Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un took photos
with officials of the “military spy satellite” and opened a
banquet (November 24, KCNA) |
|
November 24 to 25 | Supreme
Leader Kim Jong Un visited the Pyeongyang General Control
Center |
| November 26 |
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un casted ballot in
election of deputies to the provincial, city, and county
people’s assemblies and inspected the Ryongsong Machine Complex
(Hamhung) (November 27, Rodong/KCNA) |
| November 27 | UN
Security Council held an emergency meeting over North Korea’s
so-called “military spy satellite” |
| November 27 | The
vice minister of the International Organization Department at
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry condemned the joint statement
(November 22) denouncing North Korea (KCNA) |
| November 27 to 29 | The Pyeongyang General Control Center of the
National Aerospace Technology Administration reported spy
satellite photos to Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un |
| November 30 | Remarks by Kim Yo Jong, the vice department
director of the Central Committee of the WPK
･ “If
muscle-flexing behind the rhetoric about dialogue is the ‘peace
by power’ favored by the U.S., the DPRK should be ready for both
dialogue and confrontation and, in particular, more thoroughly
ready for confrontation.”
< Opinions of the
Ministry of Unification (November 23) >
o The
Unification Ministry hopes Pyeongyang makes a sensible decision
between “dialogue and confrontation” for the future and
livelihood of its people, as stated by Kim.
o We urge the
North to break free from the wrong path of provocations and
threats and come out onto the path of dialogue and
cooperation. |
| November 30
| KCNA condemned, in a commentary, △ the
partial suspension of the military accord, △ the ROK-U.S.-Japan
joint maritime drill (November 26), △ the infiltration training
drills (November 27 to December 1), and △ the ROK-U.S. Buddy
Squadron training (November 27 to December 1) (KCNA)
< Opinions of the Ministry of Unification (November
23) >
o North Korea is continuing its military threats
while making a far-fetched claim on our just partial suspension
of the September 19 Military Agreement and self-defensive joint
drills in a commentary (November 30) of KCNA, which we strongly
consider as regrettable.
o The South Korean government
reiterates that South Korea is always open to talks with North
Korea to discuss ways to defuse tensions on the Korean
Peninsula.
- We urge the North to not miscalculate and
break free from the wrong path of provocations and threats and
come out onto the path of dialogue and cooperation. |
| November 30 | Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un visited the Air
Force Command and the 1st Air Force Division Flying Regiment to
celebrate Aviation Day (November 29) |
| November 30 (Local) | The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions
against North Korea (1 organization and 8 individuals)
･
As a response to the North’s “military spy satellite” launch
(November 21), the Department imposed additional sanctions on △
Kimsuky, a North Korean hacking group, and △ eight North Koreans
(Choe Song Chol, Choe Un Hyok, Im Song Sun, etc.). |
