North Korean Media: "South Korea Remains Silent on GSOMIA... Betrayal Against National Interests"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] North Korean media recently condemned South Korea for "blatant betrayal of the nation's aspirations and will" following the temporary maintenance of the South Korea-Japan General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).

On the 6th, the North Korean external weekly magazine Tongil Sinbo published an article titled "Betrayal Against Public Sentiment," citing media reports and expert opinions to analyze that South Korea "avoided controversy over whether to terminate the agreement by not issuing a separate statement." It also pointed out that "Japan deliberately remained silent, not even mentioning the termination, thereby automatically extending the GSOMIA."

The media referred to the process in which South Korea notified Japan of the termination of GSOMIA after Japan imposed export restrictions last July in retaliation for the forced labor compensation ruling, but suspended the termination notice due to U.S. opposition. It added, "Silently letting the termination deadline pass is a disgraceful act of treason that sacrifices national dignity and interests without hesitation at the demand of a master," and claimed that "criticism and ridicule toward the authorities are growing daily among various sectors in South Korea."

Until now, South Korea and Japan have automatically extended the agreement by one year every August 24 unless a separate termination notice is given. The government suspended the effect of the termination notice last November under the premise that "the GSOMIA between South Korea and Japan can be terminated at any time," and did not issue any related statement on the 24th of last month.

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