Ministry of Unification: "Consistently Promote Inter-Korean Cooperation and the Korean Peninsula Peace Process"

Kim Jong-un Denies Cardiovascular Procedure Rumors

President Moon Jae-in (right) and Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea.

Regarding North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's appearance after about 20 days, dispelling rumors of his death and critical condition, the Ministry of Unification reaffirmed on the 4th that "the government has consistently maintained the position that there are no unusual movements inside North Korea related to Chairman Kim's health issues" and expressed its intention to consistently pursue the Korea Peninsula peace process.

Cho Hye-sil, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification, said at a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office that "the government’s consistent position is to advance inter-Korean relations by implementing the agreements made by the South and North Korean leaders."

Deputy Spokesperson Cho added, "President Moon Jae-in expressed his will to seek the most realistic and practical inter-Korean cooperation on the occasion of the 2nd anniversary of the Panmunjom Declaration," and said, "We will continue to make efforts to achieve tangible results while reflecting on the meaning and achievements of the Panmunjom Declaration."

Although Chairman Kim appeared in public activities looking relatively healthy, foreign media reports continue to claim that he underwent cardiovascular-related procedures during his period of absence.

In response, the Ministry of Unification stated, "The Blue House announced its position on this matter yesterday, and there is nothing further to add from the Ministry of Unification." On the 3rd, a senior Blue House official told reporters, "It is judged that Chairman Kim did not undergo surgery."

Deputy Spokesperson Cho added, "The government closely shares important matters related to diplomacy, security, and unification through the National Security Council (NSC) meetings."

Regarding analyses that Kim Yo-jong, Chairman Kim’s younger sister and the Party’s First Deputy Department Director, has established herself as North Korea’s de facto second-in-command, the Ministry of Unification remained reserved.

Deputy Spokesperson Cho said, "Kim Yo-jong has recently taken on important roles, including issuing two statements in her own name," but added, "There is no confirmed information about her current department affiliation."

Cho explained, "Kim Yo-jong was appointed as the Party’s First Deputy Department Director at the Party’s 5th Plenary Meeting at the end of last year, and was recently elected as a candidate member of the Party Political Bureau at the recently held Party Political Bureau meeting."

Meanwhile, regarding a domestic media report that North Korea is purging factions associated with former Workers' Party International Affairs Department Vice Chairman Ri Su-yong and former Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho, Deputy Spokesperson Cho said, "We have seen the related reports, but there is nothing confirmed to disclose."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.