[2020 National Audit] Minister Seo Wook: "North Korea Threatens Our Military's Search Operations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea is reportedly threatening South Korea's search operations related to the shooting death of a South Korean government official in the West Sea that occurred on the 22nd of last month.

On the 7th, Defense Minister Seo Wook stated in his opening remarks at the National Assembly National Defense Committee's audit of the Ministry of National Defense, "Although North Korea expressed apologies and a commitment to prevent recurrence regarding the recent death of our citizen in the West Sea, it has not responded to the joint investigation request and continues to threaten legitimate search operations in our waters, maintaining military tensions."

He also said, "The security situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula is more complex and unpredictable than ever. Our military is firmly maintaining a state of military readiness against all-around security threats and is making every effort to ensure that there are no gaps in national security under any circumstances."

In the work report submitted for the audit, the Ministry of National Defense stated that it is attempting to manage the situation with awareness of public opinion in the South regarding the West Sea government official shooting death incident. Regarding North Korean military movements after the shooting incident, it reported, "No unusual movements have been identified, and efforts are focused on recovery from heavy rains and typhoon damage," adding, "Large-scale troops and equipment are being deployed in the Hwanghae, Gangwon, and Hamgyeong provinces to push for recovery before the Workers' Party founding day (October 10)."

The Ministry explained North Korea's internal situation, saying, "Emphasizing the 'unity of party, military, and people,' North Korea is mobilizing national capabilities to focus all efforts on flood recovery, and following the expanded meeting of the Party Political Bureau (September 29), it has reemphasized COVID-19 prevention and border closures." It also assessed, "The regime is strengthening cohesion in preparation for the 75th anniversary of the Party's founding and the 8th Party Congress (January 2021)."

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