Regular Briefing by Spokesperson Koo Byoungsam

Date: Monday, November 11, 2024
Time: 10:30-10:33 A.M.

1. Minister's Schedule

Minister Kim Yung Ho held a meeting with foreign affairs and security experts to gather opinions today at 7:30 A.M.

At 2 P.M., Minister Kim will deliver remarks at an awards ceremony for the Unification Youth Art Contest.

On November 12, at 8 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting.

On November 13, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget & Accounts for non-economic ministries to examine next year's budget bills.

On November 14, at 10 A.M., Minister Kim will attend the plenary session of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs & Unification Committee, as well as the Special Committee on Budget & Accounts for non-economic ministries.

At 12 P.M., Minister Kim will deliver congratulatory remarks at the third discussion among unification opinion leaders to form a consensus, read by Vice Minister Kim Soo Kyung.

On November 15, at 2 P.M., Minister Kim will deliver opening remarks at a panel discussion on North Korean human rights co-hosted by the Ministry of Unification, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission.

2. Vice Minister's Schedule

Vice Minister Kim Soo Kyung will make an appearance at a live interview hosted by KTV on November 15 at 10:40 A.M.

3. Q&A

Q. I have two questions. First of all, Ukrainian forces intercepted radio communications between North Korean soldiers in Kursk, raising the possibility of North Korean troops entering combat soon. There are even foreign media reports claiming that Russia has assembled a force of 50 thousand soldiers, including North Koreans soldiers. How is the Unification Ministry evaluating this situation?

Secondly, today's Rodong Sinmun reports that Choe Ryong Hae visited various units in Gangwon Province. Choe's public itinerary seems to be the first in six months - what is the Ministry's analysis of this report?

A. The Unification Ministry, while closely cooperating with relevant agencies and related nations, is carefully monitoring various reports on recent war developments in Ukraine. However, there is nothing the Unification Ministry can confirm regarding your question.

The Rodong Sinmun reported today that Choe Ryong Hae, chairman of the North's Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) Standing Committee, inspected local units in Gangwon Province. SPA head Choe Ryong Hae and Cabinet premier Kim Tok Hun look after internal situations at a similar level and is considered quite common. There is nothing more to read into the report.