[2024 National Audit] Kim Young-ho "North Korea, Two-State Theory... Possibility of Rising Tensions"

"Firmly Respond to Anti-Unification, Anti-National, and Anti-Peace Behaviors"

Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, predicted that North Korea may specify inter-Korean relations as a 'hostile two-state relationship' through constitutional amendments at the Supreme People's Assembly and potentially increase military tensions in the future.

Minister Kim stated this during a briefing at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit on the morning of the 8th, saying, "The government will firmly respond to North Korea's anti-unification, anti-national, and anti-peace behaviors."

Minister of Unification Kim Young-ho is taking the oath as a witness during the National Assembly inspection of the Ministry of Unification and the National Unification Advisory Council held by the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 8th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

If North Korea held the Supreme People's Assembly as announced, the meeting would have been ongoing since the previous day. The main agenda is the 'discussion on amending the socialist constitution.' This is a follow-up measure after Chairman Kim declared the 'hostile two-state theory' at the end of last year and defined inter-Korean relations as 'in a state of war.' The key issue is how to define the 'border line' between the North and South in the newly created territorial, territorial waters, and airspace provisions after removing the concept of unification from the North Korean constitution.

Minister Kim emphasized, "It is expected that North Korea will amend the constitution at the Supreme People's Assembly and codify the 'two states.' In difficult times, we will carry out all efforts with a solemn sense of responsibility according to the spirit of the constitution to achieve the historic mission of 'peaceful unification based on the free democratic basic order.'"

The Ministry of Unification reiterated its stance of openness to dialogue in the status report submitted at the audit that day. While firmly responding to North Korea's provocations and threats under the principle of 'peace through strength,' the ministry plans to consistently maintain the position that dialogue without preconditions is always possible.

Regarding the distribution of leaflets to North Korea, the ministry maintained its position to approach the issue considering the Constitutional Court's decision to guarantee freedom of expression. It plans to continue communication with major organizations and promote meetings with residents in border areas.

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