Kim Yeon-cheol, Minister of Unification, "Considering Moon Jae-in-Kim Jong-un Video Conference"

At the National Assembly: "Need for Video Conference Between South-North Leaders"
"Additional Investment Needed... Will Actively Consider"
"No Unusual North Korean Activity... Kim Indicates Normal State Affairs"
Trump: "I Know Kim Jong-un's Condition... Will Find Out Soon"

Kim Yeon-chul, Minister of Unification, is responding at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 28th.

With the Korean Peninsula's timeline uncertain due to rumors about North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's health, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he is aware of Kim's current condition and will soon learn the related facts. Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul also repeatedly asserted that "there are no unusual movements within North Korea," drawing attention to whether the 'Kim Jong-un critical condition rumors' that have persisted for over two weeks might soon come to an end.

On the 27th (local time), during a press conference at the Rose Garden, President Trump was asked about Kim Jong-un's health and said, "I know how he is doing," but added, "I can't say right now." After CNN reported on the 21st that Kim was in critical condition, Trump had said, "I don't know." The change in Trump's tone is seen as indicating that U.S. intelligence agencies have made assessments about the health rumors through reconnaissance assets.

Government authorities sharing intelligence with the U.S. have repeatedly blocked rumors about Kim's health issues. At a Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 28th, Minister Kim Yeon-chul said, "North Korean media have continued to report on Kim Jong-un's work since the Workers' Party Political Bureau meeting on the 11th," adding, "This suggests normal state affairs are being conducted."

On the 21st, Kim Jong-un delivered birthday tables to elderly people in his name and sent a congratulatory message to the Syrian president the next day. On the 26th, he expressed gratitude to workers in Samjiyon City, and the following day to workers in the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area. The North Korean Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, also reported that Kim sent a congratulatory message to the President of South Africa on that day.

Minister Kim said that a video conference between the South and North Korean leaders could also be considered. This came in response to Rep. Won Hye-young of the Democratic Party of Korea mentioning the G20 leaders' video conference for international cooperation on COVID-19 and raising the need for such a meeting.

Minister Kim stated, "Although the inter-Korean liaison office has temporarily withdrawn from Kaesong, the military communication line is currently operational, and normal contact work is ongoing between the direct liaison offices (Seoul-Pyongyang). I believe video conferences are necessary, and additional investment is required for this, which we will actively consider."

Kim Yeon-chul, Minister of Unification, is answering questions at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 28th.

The government plans to promote inter-Korean cooperation projects to prevent the Korean Peninsula peace process from halting due to uncertainties surrounding Kim Jong-un's health rumors.

Minister Kim said, "We will make multifaceted efforts to promote the resumption of inter-Korean relations," adding, "We will prioritize projects we can independently undertake, such as connecting the Donghae Northern Line railway, conducting a survey of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and tours of Panmunjom." He further stated, "We will steadily prepare for inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation after COVID-19 by establishing institutional foundations to enable separated families and domestic tourists to visit North Korea individually."

If Kim Jong-un experiences health issues or passes away, such inter-Korean cooperation would be virtually impossible for the time being. The government's determination to promote inter-Korean cooperation is seen as reflecting confidence despite such uncertainties.

Some argue that it is difficult to accept the government's position that there are no unusual movements within North Korea. Tae Koo-min (Tae Yong-ho), a member-elect of the Future United Party representing Gangnam Gap in Seoul, said, "The current situation in North Korea is not that there are no unusual movements; rather, there are many 'exceptional points'." He claimed, "Currently, many questions are being raised to North Korean diplomatic missions overseas. In the past, North Korean diplomats would dismiss such questions as nonsense, but now they are not even responding."

He pointed out that the discovery of Kim Jong-un's private train in Wonsan is likely a North Korean deception tactic. He emphasized, "North Korea is always aware that U.S. reconnaissance satellites are monitoring it and prepares accordingly. They always use various deception tactics to conceal Kim Jong-un's movements." Therefore, assuming Kim is in Wonsan just because his train is there is premature.

In an interview with CNN on the 27th (local time), Representative-elect Tae said, "I cannot be certain whether Kim Jong-un actually underwent surgery," but added, "One thing is clear: Kim is in a state where he cannot stand up or walk properly on his own."