Kwon Young-se "Condemning North Korea's Unilateral Communication Breakdown... Will Hold Accountable for Unauthorized Use of Kaesong Industrial Complex" (Update)

Unification Minister Kwon Young-se condemned North Korea's consistent refusal to engage in regular communication, calling it a "unilateral and irresponsible attitude." He particularly warned regarding North Korea's unauthorized use of South Korean companies' facilities in the Kaesong Industrial Complex, stating, "We will take all possible measures to hold them accountable for this illegal act."

Minister Kwon held a briefing at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 11th, criticizing, "North Korea has consistently shown an insincere and uncooperative attitude in inter-Korean communication, including refusing to accept our notifications. Furthermore, since the 7th, they have not responded to regular calls between the Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office and military communication lines without any explanation." He added, "The government expresses strong regret over North Korea's unilateral and irresponsible attitude. We strongly warn that this will ultimately isolate North Korea itself, leading to even more difficult circumstances."

Minister of Unification Kwon Young-se [Photo by Yonhap News]

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Normally, the two Koreas maintain regular calls through the Joint Liaison Office and military communication lines in the morning and afternoon respectively, but North Korea has consistently refused communication for five days until that morning. Earlier, on the 6th, the Ministry of Unification attempted to send a notification to North Korea protesting the unauthorized use of Kaesong Industrial Complex facilities, but North Korea unilaterally hung up the phone and refused to accept it.

Minister Kwon pointed out, "Despite multiple calls and warnings from our government, North Korea is unlawfully using the facilities of our companies in the Kaesong Industrial Complex, infringing on property rights." He added, "This violates the inter-Korean agreement on investment protection and North Korea's Kaesong Industrial Zone Law. We strongly condemn these illegal acts and clearly state that all responsibility lies entirely with North Korea."

In particular, Minister Kwon warned, "As initially stated, the government will take all possible measures, including legal actions, to hold North Korea accountable for its illegal acts," and "We will actively cooperate with the international community as well."

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