Kwon Young-se "Geumgangsan Tourism Sanctions Apply, Not Easy... Not a Good Method Now" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the morning of the 21st, Kwon Young-se, the nominee for Minister of Unification, met with Sung Kim, the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, and shared the direction of the next government's North Korea policy.

On the same morning, Kwon met Kim at the Inter-Korean Summit Headquarters in Jongno-gu, where his confirmation hearing preparation office is located. He emphasized that the South Korea-U.S. diplomatic and security teams are a "one team" and conveyed the position that the South Korea-U.S. relationship will improve further under the next government.

He also expressed the expectation that if the South Korea-U.S. alliance becomes stronger, the scope of activities in North Korea policy will expand, and as Minister of Unification, he hopes to lead North Korea policy to bring about improvements in inter-Korean relations and progress in denuclearization.

Kwon stated that although North Korea is not showing interest in improving relations with anyone, if the overall situation including COVID-19 improves and we identify what North Korea specifically wants, proposing dialogue could create a breakthrough in the current situation.

He also mentioned that while strictly adhering to international sanctions against North Korea, humanitarian support such as COVID-19 response should be considered as long as it does not violate those sanctions. Regarding this, Kim expressed hope for more opportunities for communication in the future and a desire to cooperate closely.

In the afternoon, Kwon told reporters that resuming tourism to Mount Kumgang is difficult due to North Korea sanctions.

He said, "North Korea is currently continuing various provocations at the national level and not retreating from nuclear development, so (Mount Kumgang tourism) falls under sanctions and is not easy," adding, "It is not a good option in the current situation." This contrasts with the previous Moon Jae-in administration’s judgment that Mount Kumgang tourism did not fall under North Korea sanctions and their efforts to resume it.

He also expressed his intention to raise issues regarding the infringement of South Korean property rights such as the Ananti Golf Course and Haegumgang Hotel after taking office. Kwon pointed out, "There are reports that North Korea is damaging our buildings in the Mount Kumgang area," and added, "There is an agreement on investment protection between South and North Korea, and (North Korea’s actions) clearly violate it."

Nevertheless, he emphasized finding momentum to resume dialogue and mentioned humanitarian support such as COVID-19 vaccines and food as ways to create such momentum.

Meanwhile, before meeting with Kwon on the same day, Kim also held a private breakfast meeting with Kim Sung-han, the secretary of the foreign and security division of the transition committee, to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue and other matters.

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