The South Korean government has hinted at plans to ensure the safety of South Koreans in sensitive positions if North Korea goes ahead with the planned launch of a long-range rocket.
The Ministry of Unification revealed today in a report submitted to the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Trade and Unification Committee that, “Considering the graveness of the security situation, the government will prudently adjust inter-Korean exchanges and make assurances for the safety of our people at the Kaesong Industrial Complex.”
“North Korea’s missile launch is a direct and serious security threat to us and we will sternly deal with it,” the report added. “We will watch moves inside North Korea closely, improve cooperation and the sharing of information between government departments and have our emergency response system on full alert.”
The Ministry of Unification has a 24-hour emergency contact and response system in place at Kaesong, and is now reviewing the security of South Korean civilians residing in the zone.
Meanwhile, the ministry has also released its latest analysis of North Korean trends, saying that Kim Jong Eun has been making official appearances at security agencies and strengthening his rule through the security forces.
Kim has made 142 public appearances since his father’s death on December 17th, 2011: 50 in the military sector, 32 in the economic sector, three in the diplomatic sector and 57 in other sectors, making his overall percentages similar to those of Kim Jong Il.
