The Ministry of Unification has decided not to attend the Eastern Economic Forum, which opens in Vladivostok, Russia, on the 1st of next month.
Yoon Min-ho, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said at a regular briefing at Government Complex Seoul on the 31st, "Taking all circumstances into account, we will not attend this Eastern Economic Forum."
Regarding the possibility of Kim Jong-un, North Korea's State Affairs Commission chair, attending the forum, he said, "Nothing has been identified yet," adding, "We will keep a close watch on related developments."
Earlier, Minister Chung Dong-young of the Ministry of Unification said at a briefing held in early this month in connection with a Cheong Wa Dae work report that the government was actively reviewing attendance at the Eastern Economic Forum to support the resumption of dialogue and negotiations with North Korea.
However, it was reported that a final decision not to attend was made in consideration of the situation, including the escalating Russia-Ukraine war and the continued closeness between North Korea and Russia.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the Ministry of Unification had then-Minister Lee In-young attend the Eastern Economic Forum online, and there is precedent for a working-level (Director General) official visiting the site.
Recently, some overseas North Korea-focused media raised the possibility of the chair's attendance at the Eastern Economic Forum, but it has been reported that no specific moves have been detected so far.