Kim Yeon-cheol: "Actively Promote Panmunjom Tours and Inter-Korean Railroads... Full Effort to Block Anti-North Leaflets"

Unification Minister Reveals in National Assembly Report
North Korea Threatens "Deploying Troops in Demilitarized Zone"

Kim Yeon-cheol, Minister of Unification

Amid North Korea's backlash against the distribution of anti-North leaflets and its warning of military action, Kim Yeon-cheol, Minister of Unification, stated on the 16th that he would actively explore and promote areas where inter-Korean cooperation is possible, such as Panmunjom tours and inter-Korean railway projects. Additionally, Minister Kim emphasized that the current laws will be strictly enforced to fully block the distribution of anti-North leaflets.

Minister Kim appeared at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's plenary session on the same day and reported, "We will closely monitor North Korea's movements and thoroughly prepare for all anticipated scenarios."

He said, "Recently, North Korea has been reacting sensitively to the distribution of leaflets and goods by civilian organizations," and stressed, "The government will respond strictly based on the position that the distribution of anti-North leaflets and goods must be stopped as it causes tension between the two Koreas and damage to border areas."

He added, "The government consistently maintains the position to stop the distribution of anti-North leaflets and goods," and said, "We will fully enforce current laws such as the Police Duties Execution Act to block the distribution of anti-North leaflets."

The Ministry of Unification plans to seek various measures to create a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations.

Minister Kim stated, "We must respect and continue to implement inter-Korean agreements such as the Panmunjom Declaration and the Pyongyang Joint Declaration," and said, "We will actively discover and promote areas where the two Koreas can cooperate, including non-traditional security cooperation such as healthcare, disaster and environmental issues, and railway connection and modernization."

He emphasized, "We will prioritize internal projects such as connecting the Donghae Bukbu Line (Gangneung to Jejin), conducting a survey of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and Panmunjom tours to establish a foundation for a peace economy."

Minister Kim added, "We will continue to urge North Korea to respond to dialogue so that problems can be resolved through communication and cooperation," and said, "We will make unwavering efforts to advance the peace process on the Korean Peninsula."

Furthermore, the Ministry of Unification reported that as some groups have announced their intention to forcibly distribute anti-North leaflets on the 25th, the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, "a 24-hour response system is being established and operated through cooperation between local governments and the police."

On the same day, Seo Ho, Deputy Minister of Unification, visited Ganghwa Island to inspect the response posture related to anti-North leaflets.

Deputy Minister Seo visited Ganghwa Police Station, Incheon Coast Guard Ganghwa Substation, and Samsan Substation in succession to encourage the officials and urged thorough responses to defectors' organizations.

At Ganghwa Police Station, Deputy Minister Seo emphasized the importance of easing tensions between the two Koreas and asked the police officers to strengthen public security efforts.

Meanwhile, since Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, declared the severance of inter-Korean relations on the 4th, citing the distribution of anti-North leaflets by defector groups as a problem, North Korea has been increasing pressure on the South daily.

On this day, the General Staff of the North Korean People's Army issued a statement warning of the possibility of redeploying troops to areas demilitarized by inter-Korean agreement and announced plans to distribute anti-South leaflets.

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