North Korea's "Top Fool" Comment Followed by Government's 27 Billion Won Support for Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund

Kaesong Industrial Complex District Support Foundation 8.4 Billion KRW
DMZ Peaceful Unification Cultural Space Creation 4.8 Billion KRW
8 Billion KRW for Separated Families Status Survey, etc.

North Korea's Korean Central TV reported on the 13th that the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party concluded in Pyongyang on the 12th. Choe Ryong-hae, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of North Korea, is seen shaking hands with Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Party, and bowing at a 90-degree angle at the party congress hall.

The government has decided to provide a total of approximately 27 billion won from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund to manage Panmunjom tours, operate the Kaesong Industrial Complex Support Foundation, and conduct a survey on separated families.

On the 14th, the Ministry of Unification held the 318th Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council (Gyouchuhyeop) and reviewed and approved funding proposals from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund for seven agenda items.

Looking at each agenda item, 8.406 billion won will be provided for the operating expenses of the Kaesong Industrial Complex Support Foundation. The government plans to continue efforts this year to create conditions for the resumption of the complex, including supporting the normalization of management for Kaesong Industrial Complex companies and domestic and international market access.

47.76 billion won will be allocated to the first phase of the 'DMZ Peaceful Unification Cultural Space' project. This will create cultural exchange spaces between the North and South at locations such as the Inter-Korean Access Office and Dorasan Station.

41.21 billion won will be allocated for the 'Consignment Project Expenses of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Support Association,' and 3.75 billion won for the 'Korean Peninsula Unification Future Center Operation Project.' Additionally, 3.345 billion won will be provided for the 'Joint Compilation Project of the Great Korean Dictionary by the North and South.' 1.92746 billion won has been assigned for the integrated management and operation of Panmunjom tours, aimed at improving the convenience of Panmunjom tour procedures and expanding opportunities for the public to visit Panmunjom.

80 million won will be provided for the separated families survey. From April to October this year, a survey will be conducted targeting approximately 50,000 applicants residing in South Korea who are seeking separated family members, and the information of these applicants will be updated.

The Ministry of Unification explained, "Of the total 21.5 billion won approved for some of the agenda items, 16.3 billion won, about 75.8%, is fixed costs such as personnel and operating expenses," and that new projects or expansions have been minimized.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of North Korea, through the 8th Party Congress concluded on the 12th, announced the enhancement of nuclear forces and defined inter-Korean cooperation projects as "non-essential issues," foreshadowing a difficult path for inter-Korean relations. On the 12th, Kim Yo-jong issued a statement referring to South Korea's monitoring of the military parade, unleashing harsh criticisms such as "complete idiots" and "grotesque creatures."

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