The Ministry of Unification noted, “The South Korean government is likely considering variables such as the inauguration of a new government in the South and the current situation in Iran.”
On June 23, Koo Byung-sam, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, held a regular briefing at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The South Korean government stated on the 23rd that they are closely monitoring whether North Korea will issue any messages directed towards the South or internationally during the upcoming Workers’ Party plenary meeting set for later this month.
During the briefing, Koo Byung-sam mentioned, “The plenary meeting of the North Korean Workers’ Party is expected to take place soon,” and added that they are keeping an eye on related developments.
He further explained that the government is particularly attentive to whether there will be any external or inter-Korean messages, considering there are several variables, such as the inauguration of a new government in South Korea, the situation in Iran, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. North Korea is likely deliberating these aspects.
Previously, North Korea announced plans to hold the 12th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party in late June. The plenary meeting is the largest party conference where North Korea reviews and evaluates state affairs, proposes new policies, or modifies existing ones. It tends to occur twice a year, at the end of June and December.
This upcoming plenary meeting is garnering attention as it will be the first since the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States last January and Lee Jae-myung as President of South Korea in June, raising interest in whether there will be changes in North Korea’s foreign policy direction.