Press Kept in Dark on North Projects

The Ministry of Unification reportedly issued official documents to state-owned corporations, including Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC), on North Korean projects. The document asked for their reserved contact with the press and negotiations after the press release about how tough they will respond.

Kim Ki-hyun of the Grand National Party, a member of the Commerce, Industry and Energy Committee, said on October 17 that the parliamentary audit found “the MOU sent down the official document to 18 corporations including the KNOC on March 20, calling for shunning the press regarding North Korean projects.”

The MOU said to the corporations to consult with relevant departments and the ministry before deciding on the North Korean projects and particularly warned against a unilateral release of news prior to the negotiations. It emphasized that the presidents of the corporations should not announce the projects in the preparation phrase in an interview or press conference.

Once the press breaks relevant news, they were advised to consult with the ministry to decide how to react and to make it clear that the corporations are just considering the idea so it needs further consultations. The document stated not to accompany journalists and to report the results of visit to the North first to the ministry. It also warned not to contact journalists at the airport.

An MOU official explained, “If a project in the initial phase is reported as if it is already concluded, this can result in confusion among the public. Since we are dealing with North Korea, we just tried to be cautious and to respond strategically. The document was simply advisory.”

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