Permitting Private Organizations to Participate in NK’s Mt. Kumgang New Year’s Event

The government announced on the 6th that it will permit private organizations to participate in the South-North New Year’s function, which will take place at Mr. Kumgang from the 19th to the 21st.

A government authority said, "Considering it as the year’s first exchange at private level, participation in the New Year’s private collaborated event is permitted. However, Hanchongryun and Bumminryun, who caused trouble during last year’s 8.15 Unification Festival, will be barred from entry, even if their personnel apply with changed names."

There is a possibility of an anti-U.S. movement, as the event overlaps with the U.S President George W. Bush’s visit schedule. The government is considering making all of the participants (350 individuals) sign an oath that they will not take part in any political events.

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com