Unification Ministry, Whose Minister Resigned, States "Ban on Leaflet Distribution to North Korea Remains Unchanged"

Minister Kim Yeon-cheol Reports Resignation but Attends Work Normally
Morning Meeting Led by Seo-ho, Vice Minister of Unification
Ministry of Unification: "Retirement Ceremony Will Be Held If Resignation Is Accepted"

Kim Yeon-chul, Minister of Unification, who announced his resignation taking responsibility for the recent deterioration in inter-Korean relations, is getting into a car after leaving work at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 17th.

Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul has tendered his resignation, taking responsibility for the deterioration of inter-Korean relations. On the 18th, the Ministry of Unification stated, "The government's basic stance to prevent the distribution of leaflets to North Korea remains unchanged."

When asked by reporters on the same day whether the tough stance on leaflets to North Korea would remain unchanged after the minister's resignation, a Ministry of Unification official said, "There is no change regarding the leaflet issue," affirming this position.

The Ministry of Unification has previously announced that it would take strong measures against the distribution of leaflets by defectors' groups.

Regarding North Korea's announcement to distribute leaflets to South Korea, the Ministry also urged restraint from the North. The official reiterated the existing position that "the distribution of leaflets to the South violates the Panmunjom Declaration," adding, "Leaflets that slander each other are undesirable for peace on the Korean Peninsula and the improvement of inter-Korean relations."

On the promotion of ratifying the Panmunjom Declaration, he said, "Given the various situations that have arisen, we will comprehensively review and proceed accordingly."

Following Minister Kim's resignation announcement, the Ministry of Unification appears unsettled. Minister Kim arrived at the Government Seoul Office as usual that day. However, the morning meeting was chaired by Vice Minister Seo Ho. It is reported that Minister Kim is firm in his intention to resign. The Ministry of Unification is expected to hold a farewell ceremony as early as the 18th once President Moon Jae-in approves the resignation. A Ministry official said, "If Minister Kim's resignation is accepted, a farewell ceremony will be held."

Once Minister Kim's resignation is accepted, the Ministry of Unification will operate under an acting minister system for the time being. The official explained, "In the absence of a minister, work will proceed according to the usual government procedures," adding that Vice Minister Seo will serve as acting minister.

Meanwhile, on the 17th, Minister Kim told reporters at the Government Seoul Office, "I have decided to step down, taking responsibility for the deterioration of inter-Korean relations."

Minister Kim said, "I feel sorry for not meeting the demands and expectations of many citizens who wish for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula." He added, "I thought someone should take responsibility for the worsening inter-Korean relations, and I was mentally prepared for that."

He also said, "In the current situation, I thought it might be my duty to create an opportunity to renew the atmosphere."

Regarding the timing of his decision to resign, he said, "There was a point when I could have anticipated the current situation regarding the deterioration of inter-Korean relations," and "I thought someone should take responsibility for those aspects."

North Korea has blown up the Kaesong Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office and announced plans to deploy troops in the Demilitarized Zone, marking the worst phase in inter-Korean relations.