Kwon Young-se "North Korea, Respond to Separated Families Talks as Soon as Possible"

"The Day When the Ministry of Unification Is No Longer Needed"

Unification Minister Kwon Young-se urged North Korea to "proactively review the dialogue proposal for resolving separated families that we sincerely suggested last September and respond as soon as possible."

In his commemorative speech at the '54th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Ministry of Unification' held on the 2nd at the main auditorium on the 2nd floor of the annex building of the Government Seoul Office, Minister Kwon said, "The issue of separated families transcends ideology and system; it is a matter of humanity and duty, and above all, the elderly separated family members do not have much time left."

He continued, "Our government once again clearly states its position to consistently pursue cooperation for humanitarian support and the resolution of humanitarian issues such as separated families without political or military considerations," and "If North Korea truly cares about the lives of its people, it must immediately halt nuclear threats and provocations and respond to our 'Bold Initiative.'"

Unification Minister Kwon Young-se attended the 54th anniversary ceremony of the Ministry of Unification held at the main auditorium of the Government Seoul Office Annex on the morning of the 2nd and delivered a commemorative speech. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Kwon mentioned that the Ministry of Unification was launched in 1969 to mark the 50th anniversary of the March 1st Movement and evaluated that it has worked hard over the past 54 years to establish sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula. However, he reflected, "Even after more than half a century, the ultimate goal (unification) has not been achieved," and emphasized that the existence of the Ministry of Unification means the continuation of division, so he hopes for the day when the Ministry is no longer needed.

He also reminded that the inter-Korean relations were more severe in 1968, one year before the Ministry of Unification was established. He said, "The situation on the Korean Peninsula was at its worst with incidents such as North Korea's Blue House raid and the Pueblo ship capture," and added, "At this moment, when security threats including North Korea's nuclear issue remain and conflicts and suffering caused by prolonged division continue, let us recall the original intentions of our predecessors 54 years ago."

On the same day, Foreign Minister Park Jin delivered a video congratulatory message, saying, "North Korea's advanced nuclear and missile threats are urgent and real security threats that can no longer be postponed," and "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will join hands with the Ministry of Unification to protect the lives and safety of our people from North Korea's provocations and threats and will continue to do its best to achieve North Korea's complete denuclearization."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Unification started as the National Land Unification Agency on March 1, 1969. It was renamed the Unification Agency in 1990 and took its current name in 1998. Although the 50th anniversary was originally the day before, it was postponed by one day to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the March 1st Movement and the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. The event included the screening of promotional videos, awards for long-serving employees, and a ceremonial rice cake cutting.