Ministry of Unification: "North Korea Strengthens Defense and Internal Unity to Attract South Korea-US Attention"

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un once again supervised the "fire strike training" of frontline long-range artillery units on the 9th, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 10th. The photo shows Chairman Kim overseeing the training, published in the Rodong Sinmun. Notably, only General Pak Jong Chon, Chief of the General Staff, is seen wearing a mask. Photo by Park Jung-chun

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Amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula as North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un consecutively oversees projectile tests on-site, the Ministry of Unification assessed that North Korea is strengthening its defense capabilities while fostering internal unity. Furthermore, it analyzed that North Korea is using provocative actions to draw the attention of South Korea and the United States, while pressuring changes in their attitudes by considering inter-Korean dialogue and denuclearization negotiations.

On the 10th, the Ministry of Unification stated in a reference material titled "Recent North Korean Trends" that "North Korea is strengthening its defense capabilities and internal cohesion domestically, while externally pressuring South Korea and the U.S. to attract attention and induce changes in their stance."

Under Chairman Kim’s on-site guidance, North Korea conducted joint fire strike drills on February 28, March 2, and March 9, and also launched projectiles.

The Ministry of Unification explained, "The joint fire strike drills were Chairman Kim Jong-un’s first military-related activities this year," adding, "The projectile launches were the first since the super-large multiple rocket launcher rapid-fire test on November 28, 2019." The Ministry further noted that North Korea claims these are ▲self-defensive strengthening of national defense and ▲routine training exercises.

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un once again supervised the 'fire strike training' of frontline long-range artillery units on the 9th, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 10th. The photo, released by the Rodong Sinmun, shows multiple launches of weapons presumed to be 170mm multiple rocket launchers.

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Regarding the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), North Korea is also fully engaged in epidemic prevention efforts.

The Ministry of Unification reported that North Korea declared a national emergency epidemic prevention system, organized emergency epidemic prevention headquarters at central and regional levels, and implemented high-intensity blocking and quarantine measures equivalent to border closures.

Chairman Kim also held an expanded meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party, where he ordered strong epidemic prevention measures.

The Ministry explained, "At the expanded Political Bureau meeting, North Korea defined epidemic prevention as a major national task for protecting the people and highly praised proactive epidemic prevention achievements."

Regarding inter-Korean trends, the Ministry analyzed that North Korea is focusing its criticism more through external propaganda media than official media.

A Ministry of Unification official said, "In terms of proportion, over 90% of recent criticism toward South Korea comes through external propaganda media."

The official added, "North Korea emphasizes excluding foreign (U.S.) dependence in resolving inter-Korean issues and repeatedly reaffirms its rejection of the South Korean government’s role as a 'mediator' in North Korea-U.S. negotiations."

On the 4th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that North Korea is further strengthening its COVID-19 prevention measures across the country.

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Regarding suspicions that Chairman Kim has been absent from Pyongyang for an extended period while directing military exercises in the East Sea recently, the Ministry of Unification stated that it is difficult to ascertain the facts.

A Ministry official said, "Chairman Kim’s movements are security matters and it is not appropriate to comment," but added, "However, it has been confirmed that he has been conducting on-site military guidance in areas such as Wonsan and South Hamgyong Province, and it is understood that he may have stayed in those areas for a certain period."

When asked about the whereabouts of Ri Man-gon, the recently dismissed head of the Organization and Guidance Department, the official replied, "We do not know."

Previously, at an expanded meeting of the Party Political Bureau, North Korea criticized privileges, bureaucratism, and corruption among party cadres and workers, and decided to dismiss Party Central Committee Vice Chairmen Ri Man-gon and Pak Tae-dok.

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