Ministry of Unification: "North Korea Must Not Engage in Any Acts That Raise Tensions on the Korean Peninsula"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Unification emphasized that "North Korea should refrain from any acts that create tension on the Korean Peninsula" in response to North Korea's Vice Department Director Kim Yo-jong and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement threatening to take "corresponding measures" regarding the distribution of leaflets to North Korea and the U.S. policy stance toward North Korea.

Lee Jong-joo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said at a regular briefing on the 3rd, "North Korea is a party to the inter-Korean summit declaration agreement, which pledges to cooperate together for the establishment of permanent peace without creating tension on the Korean Peninsula."

He added, "North Korea must respect the spirit and intent of this agreement."

The previous day, Vice Director Kim stated in a statement that the distribution of leaflets to North Korea is an "unacceptable provocative act" and that they are "considering corresponding actions." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the U.S. government's support for leaflet distribution as a "serious political provocation." Kwon Jung-geun, director in charge of the U.S. at North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, threatened that President Biden's first congressional address was a "very big mistake."

When asked whether there were signs that North Korea would take the "corresponding measures" mentioned in the statement the previous day, the spokesperson replied, "We are not aware of any unusual developments." North Korea's corresponding measures are expected to include the dismantling of the 'Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland,' North Korea's inter-Korean unification front organization, or the Mount Kumgang Tourism Bureau, or the annulment of the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement.