Ministry of Unification "Thorough Preparedness for Any Situation"... North Korea Hints at Blowing Up Liaison Office

Ministry of Unification: "South and North Must Comply with Mutual Agreements"
"If Actual Dismantling Occurs, It Will Be Announced Through North Korean Broadcasts"

Opening ceremony of the Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office held at the Kaesong Industrial Complex in September 2018

On the 15th, the Ministry of Unification announced that it is fully prepared for any situation amid North Korea's indication of blowing up the Kaesong Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office, signaling a breakdown in inter-Korean relations.

At a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office on the 15th, marking the 20th anniversary of the June 15th Inter-Korean Joint Declaration, Ministry of Unification spokesperson Yeo Sang-gi responded to a question about the government's response and measures if North Korea dismantles the liaison office by saying, "The government is taking the matter very seriously, closely monitoring the situation, and is fully prepared for any eventuality."

First Vice Director Kim Yo-jong hinted at the building's demolition in a statement on the night of the 13th, saying, "Soon, you will witness the miserable sight of the useless North-South Joint Liaison Office collapsing without a trace," and also mentioned the possibility of military provocations by stating, "The authority for the next hostile action will be handed over to our military's General Staff."

Spokesperson Yeo said regarding Kim's statement, "The government is taking the current situation very seriously and believes that both the South and the North should strive to uphold all inter-Korean agreements."

When asked how the government can assess North Korea's movements related to the liaison office given that no South Korean personnel remain in Kaesong, Yeo replied, "If North Korea takes such actions, it is expected that they will broadcast it, and the government will observe the situation accordingly."

The government reiterated its commitment to inter-Korean agreements and joint efforts for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the June 15th Joint Declaration.

Spokesperson Yeo stated, "The June 15th Declaration holds historical significance as it confirmed that both Koreas are the masters of the Korean Peninsula issue and opened a new era in inter-Korean relations. Despite various difficulties over the past 20 years, inter-Korean relations have steadily progressed based on the spirit of the June 15th Declaration."

She added, "The government will continue to uphold the June 15th Declaration and other inter-Korean agreements and strive for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."

The Kaesong Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office was established as a result of an agreement between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un to set it up through the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration. President Moon and Chairman Kim shaking hands across the Military Demarcation Line at Panmunjom on April 27, 2018.

Meanwhile, North Korea continued its high-intensity pressure on the South by implying the physical demolition of the liaison office through the voices of its residents on the same day.

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, in an article titled "Only the Moment of Resolute Punishment," quoted a conversation among youth shock brigade members from the Namdeok Youth Coal Mine of the Bukchang District Youth Coal Mine Union, saying, "Let's blow up that so-called North-South Joint Liaison Office completely."

The South Korean propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri also warned in an article titled "Only Ruthless Practical Action is the Answer," stating, "Soon, the South Korean authorities will painfully realize with their own eyes what they have damaged that must never be harmed, and the catastrophic consequences of the reckless fire-starting they have caused without a shred of guilt."

Another propaganda outlet, Chosun Today, in an article titled "They Will Pay a Painful Price," condemned the distribution of anti-North leaflets and threatened, "The human scum who slander our supreme dignity and those South Korean authorities who foolishly play along with them will painfully realize how agonizing and distressing the price of touching us will be."

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