Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea
Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea
10/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2024 06:32
Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam
Date: Monday, October 21, 2024
Time: 10:30-10:35 A.M.
1. Weekly Schedule
Minister Kim Yung Ho will deliver congratulatory video remarks at an event hosted by the Korea Freedom Federation today at 1 P.M.
At 6 P.M., Minister Kim will attend a meeting of the policy advisory council on unification policy.
On October 22, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting.
On October 23, at 7:30 A.M., Minister Kim will hold a meeting with heads of major academic conferences in the field of political and diplomatic affairs.
On October 24, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim and Vice Minister Kim Soo Kyung will attend the National Assembly's inspection of state administration for the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee.
At 5 P.M., Minister Kim will deliver congratulatory video remarks at an event commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation.
On October 25, Minister Kim will deliver congratulatory remarks at the opening ceremony of the Unification Plus(+) Center in Gangwon Province.
At 1:30 P.M., Vice Minister Kim will read out congratulatory remarks of the Minister at a National Assembly seminar on compensation and support for families of Korean War abductee victims.
2. Q&A
Q. North Korea's dispatch of troops to Russia was confirmed over the weekend. What is the Unification Ministry's comprehensive evaluation regarding this matter, and do you have information on the second round of operations to transport North Korean soldiers? Also, what is the Ministry's take on North Korean media not having mentioned this issue at all?
A. There is nothing more to confirm or add to the announcement made by the National Intelligence Service regarding the dispatch of North Korean troops to Russia. The ROK Government is closely monitoring related developments while remaining open to all possibilities.
All the while, North Korea remains silent regarding this issue. The Ministry will closely watch the situation without making assumptions about the North's intentions.
Q. The Unification Vice Minister mentioned in an interview yesterday that North Korean soldiers may be deployed to the Kursk region. Is there supporting evidence and information, or was it simply an assumption?
A. The Government is closely monitoring related developments while remaining open to all possibilities. To my understanding, the Vice Minister's remarks implied that they were based on presumptions.
Q. How is the Unification Ministry or the ROK Government seeking to respond to the North's troops in Russia?
A. Once again, the ROK Government is closely monitoring related developments while remaining open to all possibilities.
Q. The mayor of Paju City recently held a meeting with border area residents, and the National Assembly Speaker is scheduled to hold a meeting today. Does the Unification Ministry have any plans to meet or respond to difficulties faced by border area residents, including but not limited to those living in Paju City or Ganghwa Island?
A. It is a shame that border area residents are facing inconveniences caused by loudspeaker broadcasts by the North. Allow me to check the relevant information before getting back to you if there is more to share.