Earlier, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un apologised in a message to Moon-jae Inu for the death of a South Korean citizen and assured that he would take measures to prevent such “heinous incidents”.
The Republic of Korea is convinced of the need to find ways of peaceful cooperation with the DPRK despite the emerging bilateral problems, including the incident involving the death of a South Korean citizen in the Yellow Sea. This was stated by South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Gyeong-hwa at an online seminar organised by the American non-governmental organisation Asia Society on the occasion of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (GA).
“Every time an incident like the one a few days ago occurs, our willingness to engage in dialogue [with the DPRK], our positive mood and patience weaken. However, we must continue to follow the path of long-term and peaceful engagement”, – Yonhap quoted the Minister as saying.
On Thursday, the South Korean military made a statement that this week, a fishery control officer at the Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, allegedly planning to flee to the DPRK, was killed by North Korean border guards, who then burned his body.
On Friday, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un sent a message to the administration of South Korean President Moon-jae In apologising for the death of a South Korean citizen. He also assured Seoul that the DPRK would take measures to prevent the recurrence of such “heinous incidents”. According to Ryonhap, Pyongyang admitted that more than 10 shots were fired at the South Korean, after which his swimming gear was burned.
According to the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the South Korean Armed Forces, DPRK could take such actions in accordance with the quarantine regulations approved by Pyongyang to prevent coronavirus infection from entering the country.