Info on Korean Peninsula

History & Current Events

This page provides information on history and current events of inter-Korean affairs.

History of Inter-Korean Relations 
When World War Ⅱ ended with Japan's defeat, all Koreans aspired for a unified independent nation but, instead, suffered national division resulting from the emerging Cold War. The national division and establishment of separate governments in the South and the North eventually led to the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Ended in an armistice, the war ushered the Korean peninsula into a hostile and confrontational era.

In the early 1970s, Cold War tensions began to ease, with capitalist and communist blocs seeking detente. Against this backdrop, Seoul and Pyongyang announced a South-North joint communique on July 4, 1972. The July 4 South-North Joint Communique marked the first official joint statement made by the South and North Korean authorities with regard to the principles and methods for national unification.
Key Points in the July 4 South-North Joint Communique
  • Reunification will take place without reliance on or intervention by foreign nations; it will be achieved by a peaceful means.
  • The two sides shall take measures to stop propaganda broadcasting against the other side, stop military aggression and prevent any military clashes.
  • The two sides shall institute various exchanges in the economic, social and cultural areas; cooperate in holding inter-Korean Red Cross talks; open a Seoul-Pyongyang hotline; and set up a South-North mediation committee.
By the mid 1980s, reforms and liberalization in the USSR had spread into communist countries in East Europe. As the Cold War began to thaw, inter-Korean relations reached an important turning point. On July 1988, the South Korean government announced a Special Declaration for National Self-Esteem, Unification and Prosperity.

By 1990, inter-Korean relations had improved dramatically with the beginning of South-North high-level talks between the prime ministers. Following eight rounds of the ministerial talks, the South and the North signed a South-North Basic Agreement and announced a Joint Declaration on Denuclearization on the Korean peninsula in 1991.
Key Points in the South-North Basic Agreement
  • The relations between South and North Korea is not one between two sovereign states, but one forged during the pursuit of national reunification.
  • The two sides shall recognize and respect each other's system, bar subversion and intervention, open a liaison office and uphold the existing armistice agreement until a peace regime is found.
  • The two sides shall avoid use of military forces, peacefully resolve conflicts, respect the borders defined by the armistice agreement and the territory over which each side has been exercising real control and open a military hot line.
  • The two sides shall cooperate in the economic and social sectors, allow free contact, travel and postal exchange, arrange reunions for families separated by the Korean War, and reconnect railways and roads.
Key Points in the Joint Declaration on Denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula
  • Testing, manufacturing, processing, registering, possessing, stockpiling, distributing or using of nuclear weapons shall be prohibited.
  • Nuclear energy shall be used only for peaceful purposes
  • No nuclear reprocessing and uranium enriching facilities shall be permitted.
  • Inspection of facilities selected by the other party shall be permitted to ensure denuclearization.
  • The two sides shall form and operate a joint inter-Korean committee on nuclear control one month after the declaration takes effect.
The Kim Young-sam administration in 1994 announced a Three-Phased Unification Formula for Building a Korean National Community (KNCU Formula). The KNCU Formula promoting gradual creation of a single national community set three phases in the process of national unification: reconciliation and cooperation, a Korean commonwealth, and finally a single nation-state.
[Three Phases in National Unification according to the KNCU Formula]
First Phase : Reconciliation & Cooperation
  • The two sides shall recognize each other's system and remove mutual mistrust and hostility.
  • Based on mutual trust, the two sides shall institutionalize efforts for reconciliation and expand inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation.Second Phase
Second Phase : A Korean Commonwealth
  • The two sides shall form a Korean commonwealth as an interim arrangement on the way to complete unification.
  • The two sides shall prepare a legal and institutional groundwork for a unifiedKorea.
Third Phase : A Single-National State
  • The two sides shall form a single political entity, country and people.
  • The two sides shall complete the process of unification by integrating their institutions and systems.
The North Korean nuclear issue caused a halt in inter-Korean relations. It was only after the inauguration of the Kim Dae-jung administration that the bilateral relations began to slowly improve. The Kim administration (1998-2003) introduced the "sunshine policy," a policy promoting reconciliation and cooperation between the two Koreas. All the efforts made under this policy culminated in the first inter-Korean summit, which was held in Pyongyang in June 2000 and resulted in the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration.
Key Points in the June 15 South-North Joint Declaration

The two Koreas shall:

  • Cooperate to resolve Korean unification between themselves independent of external intervention.
  • Recognize the commonality between South Korea's proposal for a confederation and the North's proposal for a low-level federation and pursue national unification along this line.
  • Resolve humanitarian issues by holding reunions of separated families and seek a humanitarian resolution to the matter of long-held unconverted political prisoners.
  • Further consolidate mutual trust and promote a balanced development of both economies through the expansion of bilateral economic cooperation.
  • Hold government-level dialogue for an immediate implementation of the hitherto agreed points.
Since June 2000, the two Koreas made a substantial progress in inter-Korean relations. They have opened dialogue in various areas and convened reunion of separated families. Exchanges of people and goods between the two Koreas have also expanded.

The Roh Moo-hyun administration (2003-2008) consistently pursued peace and prosperity between the two Koreas, carrying over the "sunshine policy" of the previous administration. The second inter-Korean summit was held in Pyongyang from October 2 to 4, 2007, in which the two leaders announced an eight-point "Declaration for Development in Inter-Korean Relations and Peace and Prosperity."
Key Points in the October 4 Declaration

The two Koreas shall:

  • Uphold and endeavor to realize the June 15 Declaration.
  • Transform inter-Korean relations into those of mutual respect and trust.
  • Resolve inter-Korean issues in the spirit of reconciliation, cooperation and unification.
  • Put an end to military hostilities and mitigate tension and guarantee peace on the Korean peninsula.
  • Work together to implement the September 19 Joint Statement and the February 13 Agreement.
  • Create a special and cooperation zone in the West Sea and promote humanitarian cooperation projects.
  • Promote interests of the Korean people and the rights and interests of Koreans living abroad on the international stage
Over the course of ten years from 1997 to 2007, South Korea had pursued an engagement policy toward North Korea. During the period, criticism had mounted among the South Korean public with regard to unilateral promotion of inter-Korean relations without taking much into account a national consensus. Based on this self-reflection, the Lee Myung-bak administration which was inaugurated on February 25, 2008, declared to pursue mutually-beneficial and co-prosperous inter-Korean relations based on a national consensus and in close collaboration with the international community. Putting an emphasis on the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, the administration aims to expand a concrete foundation for peaceful unification by creating a new peace regime on the Korean peninsula and form an inter-Korean economic community.

"Unification of the two Koreas is a long-cherished desire of the 70 million Korean people. Inter-Korean relations must become more productive than they are now. Our attitude will be pragmatic,not ideological. The core task is to help all Koreans live happily and to prepare the foundation for unification."

(President Lee Myung-bak's presidential inaugural speech on February 25, 2008)

Important Events from 2009 to Present
2009
Major events in Inter-Korean Relations
Major events in Inter-Korean Relations
Date Events
Jan 1, 2009 - North Korea announces the 2009 New Year's joint editorial.
Jan 2 - President Lee delivers his New Year's address to the nation.
Jan 13 - The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson announces North Korea's position on the nuclear issue, maintaining that improvement in relations between North Korea and the United States is important prior to denuclearization.
Jan 15-19 - A fact-finding mission led by Hwang Joon-kook, Director General of the North Korean Nuclear Affairs Bureau, ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, visits North Korea to discuss how to deal with fresh fuel rods stored at the nuclear complex in Yongbyon.
Jan 17 - The [North] Korean People's Army General Staff spokesperson issues a statement criticizing the ROK President and declaring an all-out confrontational posture. - The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson holds a press conference with the Korean Central News Agency and maintains that the North cannot give up its nuclear weapons as long as a nuclear threat from the United States exists.
Jan 30 - The North Korean Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland issues a statement that the North would annul all inter-Korean agreements on political and military confrontation and abandon provisions in the South-North Basic Agreement pertained to the inter-Korean maritime border in the West Sea. - The ROK Ministry of Unification spokesperson issues a commentary saying that inter-Korean agreements cannot be unilaterally annulled by one party. Spokesperson calls for dialogue and cooperation between the two Koreas.
Feb 2 - In a press conference, [North] Korean People's Army General Staff spokesperson expresses the North's position on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.
Feb 9 - In a radio address, President Lee Myung-bak re-emphasizes his government's principles in promoting inter-Korean relations.
Feb 13-20 - A meeting of the Six-Party Talks working group on security in Northeast Asia is held in Russia.
Feb 15 - The ROK Ministry of Unification spokesperson issues a commentary on propaganda leaflets.
Feb 24 - The [North] Korean Committee of Space Technology spokesperson issues a statement saying that the North is preparing to launch the satellite Gwangmyungsung-2.
Feb 28 - The ROK receives North Korea's notification of the rocket launch signed by the working-level military chief of the joint management area in the West Sea and East Sea district.
Mar 1 - In his March 1 Independence Movement Day speech, President Lee says both Koreas should respect matters agreed between them, and calls for inter-Korean dialogue without any preconditions.
Mar 5 - The [North] Korean Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland issues a statement criticizing the ROK-U.S. joint military exercise Key Resolve.
Mar 9 - The [North] Korean People's Army General Staff spokesperson announces new restrictions on travel to the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC). - The ROK Ministry of Unification spokesperson expresses regrets and demands immediate withdrawal of the North's measures.
Mar 9-20 - North Korea restricts overland travel to the GIC (March 9, March 13-15, and March 20)
Mar 20 - The ROK receives North Korea's notification signed by the working-level chief of the joint management area in the West Sea and East Sea district, stating that the North will restore military hotlines on March 21.
Mar 21 - North Korea announces detention of U.S. journalists for illegal entry into the North. - North Korea restores military hotlines and allows cross-border travel.
Mar 29-Apr 1 - North Korea's national soccer team visits the South for a qualifying match with the ROK national team in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Mar 30 - North Korea detains a South Korean worker in the GIC. - The [North] Korean Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland spokesperson issues a statement that the North will take immediate and firm measures if the South participates in the Proliferation Security Initiative.
Apr 2 - The [North] Korean People's Army General Staff releases a statement threatening retaliatory strikes if its satellite launcher is shot down.
April 5 - North Korea fires a long-range rocket (from a launch pad in Musudan-ri, North Hamgyeong Province). - The ROK government issues a statement pointing out that the North's launch of a long-range rocket is in violation of UN Security Council resolution 1718.
Apr 13 - The UN Security Council adopts a presidential statement condemning the North's launch of a long-range rocket.
Apr 14 - The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson issues a statement criticizing the UNSC presidential statement and announces permanent withdrawal from the Six-Party Talks.
Apr 21 - Inter-Korean contact regarding the GIC takes place in Gaeseong.
Apr 24 - The UN Sanctions Committee confirms sanctions against North Korea.
Apr 25 - The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson announces that the North will begin reprocessing spent fuel rods
Apr 29 - The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson issues a statement that North Korea will take further self-defensive measures, including nuclear and ICBM tests, if the UN Security Council does not apologize for its presidential statement against the April 5th attempted satellite launch.
May 1 - The spokesperson for North Korea's General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone comments on the investigation of the detained South Korean worker at a press conference
May 15 - North Korea's General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone announces the nullification of existing agreements regarding the GIC. - The ROK Ministry of Unification spokesperson releases a commentary that the South cannot accept the North's unilateral action.
May 25 - North Korea reports that its second nuclear test was successful. - The ROK government issues a statement on the North's second nuclear test.
May 26 - North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland and the Korean People's Army Panmunjeom Mission issue statements that the North would consider the South's participation in the PSI as a declaration of war.
Jun 5 - North Korea's General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone proposes a working-level contact regarding the GIC.
Jun 6 - In his commemorative speech on the 54th Memorial Day, President Lee Myung-bak reconfirms his position that advancement in inter-Korean relations must be promoted through bilateral dialogue and cooperation.
Jun 11 - The first round of inter-Korean working-level meeting on the GIC takes place at the Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Consultation Office in Gaeseong.
Jun 13 - The UN Security Council adopts resolution 1874 on June 12, New York time. - The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a statement officially declaring that the North has no intention to abandon nuclear weapons. - The ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues a commentary on the North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement
Jun 19 - The second round of inter-Korean working-level meeting on the GIC takes place at the Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Consultation Office in Gaeseong.
Jul 2 - The third round of inter-Korean working-level meeting on the GIC takes place at the Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Consultation Office in Gaeseong.
Jul 10 - North Korea's General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone spokesperson issues a statement claiming that the working-level contact regarding the GIC is on the verge of collapse due to the South's insincere attitude.
Jul 16 - The UN Security Council completes the list of entities, individuals, and goods subject to sanctions under resolution 1874.
Jul 27 - The North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues a statement reaffirming that the North has no intention to return to the Six-Party Talks and instead urges bilateral talks with the U.S.
Jul 30 - A North Korean patrol boat captures the South Korean Vessel Yeonan 800 for crossing the Northern Limit Line (NLL).
Jul 31 - Notification signed by the North Korea's working-level military chief of the East Sea district is received.
Aug 4-5 - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton visits North Korea and meets with Chairman Kim Jong Il. Clinton departs North Korea with two U.S. journalists who were under detention in the North.
Aug 10-17 - Hyun Jung-eun, chairwoman of Hyundai Group, visits North Korea and meets with Chairman Kim Jong Il on August 16. - Hyundai Group and North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee issue a joint statement on the reunion of separated families on the occasion of the Chuseok holidays.
Aug 13 - The GIC worker detained in North Korea is repatriated.
Aug 15 - In his speech on the 64th Liberation Day, President Lee Myung-bak proposes the 'New Peace Initiative for the Korean Peninsula.'
August 19 - North Korea sends a message of condolence signed by Chairman Kim Jong Il after the death of former President Kim Dae Jung. - North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee notifies the Kim Dae Jung Peace Center of their plan to send a delegation to the late president's funeral.
Aug 20 - The president of the [South] Korean National Red Cross proposes to hold inter-Korean Red Cross talks at Mt. Geumgang from August 26 to 28. - The resumption of Panmunjeom hotlines between the Red Cross societies is agreed. - North Korea notifies the South that it will lift the restrictions on transit to the GIC it has placed on December 1, 2008.
Aug 21 - The ROK Ministry of Unification spokesperson issues a commentary on the North's termination of the December 1 restrictions. - A North Korean funeral delegation visits Seoul August 21-23 to express condolences on the death of former President Kim Dae Jung.
Aug 22 - The ROK Minister of Unification Hyun In-Taek meets with North Korea's Director of the United Front Department Kim Yang Gon.
Aug 23 - North Korea's delegation pays a courtesy call on President Lee Myung-bak.
Aug 25 - A cable message signed by the Central Committee of the Red Cross Society of North Korea is received.
Aug 26-28 - Inter-Korean Red Cross talks take place at Mt. Geumgang.
Aug 29 - North Korea repatriates the fishing vessel Yeonan 800 and its four crew members.
Sep 4 - North Korea's Permanent Representative to the United Nations is reported to have sent a letter to the president of the UN Security Council.
Sep 6 - The North discharges water from an Imjin River dam, killing six South Korean campers.
Sep 7 - The South's Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs sends a message to the North regarding the North's release of flood waters in the Imjin River. - The relevant authority in the North sends a message regarding the release of water from a dam in the North.
Sep 16 - North Korea's General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone and the Kaesong Industrial District Management Committee (KIDMAC) agree on a 5% wage increase for North Korean workers.
Sep 16-18 - Dai Bingguo, State Councilor of China, visits North Korea as Chinese President Hu Jintao's special envoy.
Sep 21 - President Lee Myung-bak proposes a Grand Bargain to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.
Sep 23 - The KIDMAC and North Korea's General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone conclude an agreement regarding the construction of a daycare center in the GIC.
Sep 26-Oct 1 - Reunion of separated families (554 from the South and 334 from the North) takes place on the occasion of the Chuseok holidays.
Oct 1 - Eleven North Koreans defect to the South on a ship via the East Sea.
Oct 4 - The [North] Korean National Red Cross sends a cable message to the South.
Oct 5 - China's Premier Wen Jiabao meets with Chairman Kim Jong Il while he is visiting the North October 4-6 to attend a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of North Korea-China relations. . - The Red Cross Society of North Korea sends a cable message to the South.
Oct 12 - The South proposes an inter-Korean working-level meeting regarding prevention of floods in the Imjin River basin on October 14 and a working-level Red Cross contact on October 16. - North Korea fires short-range missiles into the East Sea.
Oct 13 - North Korea agrees on the proposal for an inter-Korean working-level meeting regarding the prevention of floods in the Imjin River and a working-level Red Cross contact.
Oct 14 - Working-level meeting regarding prevention of floods in the Imjin River basin takes place at the Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Consultation Office in Gaeseong.
Oct 16 - Working-level Red Cross contact takes place at the Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Consultation Office in Gaeseong.
Oct 19 - The South notifies the North of its intent to supply materials and equipment needed to improve inter-Korean military communication lines.
Oct 20 - North Korea accepts the supply of materials and equipment for inter-Korean military communication lines.
Oct 26 - The [South] Korean National Red Cross sends a cable message to the North.
Oct 28 - The South begins the delivery of materials and equipment needed to improve the inter-Korean military communication lines.
Nov 3 - North Korea declares it has completed the reprocessing of 8,000 spent fuel rods in late August.
Nov 5 - The U.S.- EU Summit announces a joint statement calling on the North to meet its obligations under the September 19 Joint Statement and commit to irreversible and verifiable denuclearization.
Nov 9 - U.S. President Barack Obama expresses support for the Grand Bargain proposed by President Lee Myung-bak.
Nov 10 - A North Korean patrol boat crosses the NLL into the West Sea near Daecheong Island and engages in a battle with ROK Navy vessels. - The supreme command of the North Korean military claims the naval clash in the West Sea is an "armed provocation by the South" and urges the South to apologize and take measures to prevent its recurrence.
Nov 12 - North Korea's Rodong Sinmun and Minju Joson publish commentaries threatening that the South would face "consequences" of the November 10 Battle of Daecheong.
Nov 19 - The ROK and U.S. president have a joint press conference after a bilateral in Seoul.
Nov 25 - Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie meets with Chairman Kim Jong Il. - North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee spokesperson asserts that the South is responsible for the suspension of the Mt. Geumgang tourism project.
Nov 27 - President Lee Myung-bak says he is flexible on the venue for any future inter-Korean summit.
Dec 8 - President Lee Myung-bak orders his cabinet to set up plans to supply medicine to North Korea without any precondition to help fight an outbreak of the H1N1 flu. - U.S. Special Representative for North Korean Policy Stephen Bosworth visits North Korea December 8-10.
Dec 9 - North Korea's Ministry of Public Health announces that there are nine confirmed H1N1 cases in Sinuiju and Pyongyang.
Dec 10 - The South's liaison officer at Panmunjeom tells the North of its intent to provide H1N1 flu medicine. - North Korea notifies the South of its intent to accept the H1N1 flu medicine.
Dec 11 - Thai authorities at Don Muang airport detain a Georgia-registered cargo aircraft carrying weapons, including anti-aircraft missiles, surface-to-air missile launchers, anti-tank rockets and ammunition produced in North Korea.
Dec 12 - A North-South joint inspection team tours foreign industrial complexes December 12-22.
Dec18 - The South delivers H1N1 flu medicine to the North through Gaeseong.
Dec 21 - North Korean Navy Command spokesperson issues a statement declaring the North has established a peace-time maritime firing range in the Yellow Sea, and warns ships to stay clear of the zone.
Dec 23 - Seven North Koreans are repatriated.
Dec 29 - The [North] Korean Central News Agency reports that an American citizen has been detained for having entered the North illegally on December 24.
2010
Major events in Inter-Korean Relations
Major events in Inter-Korean Relations
Date Events
Jan 1, 2010 - North Korea publishes its New Year's joint editorial.
Jan 4 - President Lee makes his New Year's address. - The Minister of Unification makes his New Year's address.
Jan 11 - North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs proposes talks on a peace treaty to the parties to the Armistice Agreement.
Jan 15 - North Korea's National Defense Commission spokesperson issues a statement denouncing the South's completion of a contingency plan for emergency situations in the North.
Jan 19-20 - Representatives from the North and the South meet to assess the joint inspection tours to foreign industrial complexes.
Jan 24 - The [North] Korean People's Army General Staff spokesperson issues a statement denouncing the ROK Minister of National Defense for announcing a "provocative" military action plan on January 23, and threatens to open counter-attacks if the South does not cease gun and aerial artillery firing exercises.
Feb 1 - The 4th round of working-level meeting on the GIC takes place and the two sides agree to continue consulting on the dormitory and wage issues through separate working-level meetings. Another round of working-level meeting will follow working-level military talks on the "3 C" issues.
Feb 8 - A working-level meeting on the Mt. Geumgang and Gaeseong tourism projects is held.
Feb 6-9 - Wang Jiarui, director of the International Liaison Department of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, visits Pyongyang and meets with Chairman Kim Jong Il on February 8.
Feb 9-13 - North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Gye Gwan visits China.
Feb 23 - The South delivers 200,000 liters of hand sanitizer to North Korea through Gaeseong. This delivery follows the shipment of 500,000 doses of anti-viral medicine on December 18, 2009 to help fight an outbreak of the H1N1 flu.
Mar 1 - President Lee delivers a speech on March 1 Independence Movement Day.
Mar 2 - A working-level contact is held at GIC to consult on the "3C" issues.
March 4 - North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee spokesperson issues a statement threatening to terminate contracts and agreements unless the South agrees to resume the Mt. Geumgang and Gaeseong tourism projects.
Mar 15 - The ROK Ministry of Unification: emphasizes the need for an investigation into the July 2008 shooting incident at Mt. Geumgang and that three conditions must be met before the tourism projects can resume; urges the North to show a more advanced position in the following talks and expresses its willingness for a meeting; points out that the "special measures" announced by the Peace Committee are in violation of business agreements as well as international norms; and maintains that the North should be fully accountable if it implements the measures announced by the North's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee.
Mar 18 - North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee notifies the ROK Ministry of Unification that it would: survey the South's properties in the Mt. Geumgang tour zone starting from March 25; take further measures such as seizing the properties and limiting entry into Mt. Geumgang if the South does not cooperate; and begin new tourism programs for North Koreans and foreigners run by a new operator from April if the South does not resume the project and allow South Korean tourists to visit. - The ROK Ministry of Unification: expresses regret over the measures announced by the Peace Committee; points out they are in violation of inter-Korean business and government-level agreements as well as international norms; emphasizes its respect for inter-Korean agreements; and reiterates that tourism projects can resume after resolving personal safety issues through inter-Korean dialogue.
Mar 25-31 - North Korea surveys South Korean properties in the Mt. Geumgang tour zone.
Mar 26 - ROK naval vessel the Cheonan is attacked.
Apr 8 - A spokesperson for North Korea's General Guidance Bureau for the Development of Scenic Spots issues a statement declaring a freeze of ROK government's properties in the Mt. Geumgang tour zone and the expulsion of the South's management staff. - The ROK Ministry of Unification announces its position on the statement by the North's Guidance Bureau for Comprehensive Development of Scenic Spots.
Apr 22-23 - Pak Rim Su, director of the National Defense Commission Policy Bureau, and nine other North Korean officials conduct a survey into private properties at Mt. Geumgang.
Apr 27-30 - North Korea confiscates properties in the Mt. Geumgang tour zone and expels the management staff except for 16 personnel.
May 1 - Pak Chol Su, president of North Korea's Taepung International Investment Group, visits the GIC along with Chinese investors.
May 3-7 - Chairman Kim Jong Il visits China (Dalian, Tianjin, Beijing and Shenyang).
May 12 - North Korea claims to have achieved nuclear fusion in an experiment.
May 20 - The multinational investigation team announces the results of its investigation into the sinking of the Cheonan.
May 24 - President Lee delivers a special address on the sinking of the Cheonan. - The Ministers of Unification, Foreign Affairs and Trade, and National Defense hold a joint press conference to announce measures in response to the Cheonan sinking.
May 25 - North Korea declares it will take "resolute actions" including cutting inter-Korean relations, renouncing the inter-Korean agreement on non-aggression, and completely abolishing all inter-Korean cooperation projects.
May 27 - The [North] Korean People's Army General Staff issues a statement on critical measures regarding inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation including the full termination of military assurances and declares it will respond to "anti-republic maneuvers."
May 29-30 - A joint press release is issued after the ROK-Japan-China summit.
Jun 6 - President Lee delivers an address on Memorial Day.
Jun 11 - North Korea's National Defense Commission spokesperson threatens merciless retaliation for the ROK submitting the issue of the Cheonan sinking to the UN Security Council. The spokesperson asserts this represents the beginning of "anti-North Korean acts" and urges the South once again to accept its investigation team.
Jun 12 - The [North] Korean People's Army General Staff argues that the resumption of propaganda broadcasting by the South would be a declaration of war, and declares it will attack the South's loudspeakers with artillery.
Jun 14 - The ROK Ministry of Unification announces the government's unification policy in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 2000 inter-Korean summit.
Jun 26 - North Korea announces that the political bureau of the Korean Workers' Party Central Committee has decided to convene a party conference in September to elect the Party's highest leadership.
Jun 27 - North Korea rejects a proposal made by the UN Command on June 26 to hold general-level military talks.
July 9 - The United Nations Security Council issues a Presidential Statement condemning North Korea's attack on the naval ship Cheonan.
July 18 - North Korea notifies South Korea that it might discharge water from a dam near the border (upper region of the Imjin River) after 8:00 in the evening.
July 24 - A spokesperson for North Korea's National Defense Commission issues a statement threatening to start a retaliatory sacred war based on nuclear deterrent in response to joint US-South Korean military exercises.
August 3 - A commander of the North's West Front-line Army Unit calls the US-ROK joint military exercises an act of aggression and threatens to take military measures against the joint drills conducted near Baekryung Island, Daecheong Island and Yeonpyeong Island.
August 5 - Gaeseong Industrial District Management Committee and North Korea agree to increase the minimum wage by 5.5%. (57,881 USD → 60,775 USD)
August 8 - North Korea seizes a South Korean fishing boat, Daeseung.
August 9 - North Korea fires artillery shells in the Yellow Sea.
August 10 - The ROK government expresses its regret over the North Korea's military actions in the Yellow Sea and states that the firing of artillery shells violates the ceasefire agreement and the non-aggression pact signed between the South and North.
August 11 - The ROK government asks North Korea to return all Daeseung Ship's crew members.
August 15 - In a Presidential address on Liberation Day, President Lee Myung-bak proposes establishing three communities for unification to manage the divided Korean peninsula and to achieve peaceful unification. He also says unification tax needs to be given serious consideration as part of the process of preparing for unification.
August 25 - 27 Former US President Carter visits Pyongyang and brings Mr. Gomes back to the United States.
August 26 - The ROK government expresses its desire to provide assistance to North Korea based on humanitarianism and brotherly affection to help out North Koreans suffering from severe damage caused by heavy rain.
September 7 - Crew members of the Daeseung Ship returns to South Korea.
September 17 - North and South Korean Red Cross Society have working-level contacts and agree to meet again on the 24th to set a date for a family reunion.
September 24 - North and South Korea Red Cross Society make working-level contacts.
September 28 - The Korean Workers' Party convenes its Third Conference in Pyongyang to unveil a number of leadership changes and to discuss political matters.
September 30 - South-North working-level military talks take place.
October 1 - At the third South-North Red Cross working-level talks, South and North Korea agree to hold a family reunion at the Mt. Geumgang Reunion Center.
October 2 - The General Guidance Bureau for the Development of Scenic Spot issues a statement and suggests holding a meeting on the 15th to discuss the asset disposal issues in the Mt. Geumgang district.
October 26-27 - South-North Red Cross Talks take place.
October 30 to November 5 - A reunion of separated families takes place.
November 23 - North Korea attacks Yeonpyeong Island and the Republic of Korea asks the North to stop firing in a statement issued by the South Korean leader of the North-South general-level talks.
November 28 - December 1 - The Republic of Korea and the United States conduct military drills in the Yellow Sea.
November 29 - President Lee Myung-bak releases a statement to the nation regarding the North Korean attack on Yeonpyeong Island. President Lee highlights that "unity is the best national security measure."
December 20 - The Republic of Korea conducts live-fire artillery exercises in the Yellow Sea.
2011
Major events in Inter-Korean Relations
Major events in Inter-Korean Relations
Date Events
January 1 - North Korea's New Year's Editorial calls for achieving a breakthrough in light industry and making North Korea into a 'powerful and prosperous' nation.
January 3 - In his New Year's address, President Lee Myung-bak stresses the importance of national security and peace on the Korean peninsula.
January 10 - North Korea's Asia-Pacific Peace Committee (APPC) sends a letter to its South Korean counterparts urging to hold working-level talks in Gaeseong on January 27 to set the time and location for an upcoming inter-Korean dialogue.
January 10 - Chairman of the North Korean Red Cross proposes to hold inter-Korean Red Cross dialogue in Munsan on February 1.
January 12 - North Korea's General Bureau for Central Guidance to the Development of the Special Zone of the DPRK sends a written notice proposing talks in Gaeseong on February 9.
January 12 - In a written notice, North Korea's General Bureau for Development of Scenic spots proposes to hold talks in Gaeseong on February 11 to discuss the matters pertaining to resumption of Mt. Geumgang Tourism.
January 12 - The ROK resumes normal operation of hot lines at Panmunjeom.
January 15 - The Korean Central News Agency reports that North Korea has decided to adopt a 10-year economic development plan and to establish the State General Bureau for Economic Development.
January 20 - North Korea's Minister of People's Armed Forces sends a telegram to South Korea, proposing high-level military talks.
January 26 - In a telegram signed by the South's Minister of National Defense, the ROK government proposes working-level talks in the Peace House at Panmunjeom on February 11.
February 8 - Inter-Korean working-level military talks take place as a preliminary step toward the North-South high-level talks.
February 8 - North Korea's Red Cross Society sends a telegram the South, asking the South Korean government to immediately return all 31 North Koreans whose fishing boat drifted into South Korean waters in the Yellow Sea and the fishing boat.
February 9 - Working-level military talks ends without result.
February 27 - North Korea's head delegate of the North-South high-level military talks warns that it will direct fire at the Imjin Pavilion and other sources of the anti-North Korean psychological warfare, if South Korean activists continue to send propaganda leaflets into the North.
March 3 - In a telegram, South Korea's Red Cross notifies the North that four North Koreans expressed their desire to stay in South Korea and 27 North Koreans expressed their wish to return home.
March 17 - North Korea's Bureau of Earthquake sends a telegram to the South's meteorological office, proposing to conduct joint research on volcano activity at Mount. Baekdu.
March 27 - The ROK government returns the fishing boat and 27 North Korean passengers back to North Korea.
March 29 - A meeting between the North and South Korean seismic experts take place in Munsan.
March 31 - The ROK government allows NGOs to send humanitarian aid to the North under the condition that they strengthen the distribution monitoring system.
April 12 - At a second round of volcano talks, South and North Korea agree to convene an academic seminar on potential volcano activity at Mount. Baekdu in May.
April 26-28 - A delegation of Elders, led by Former US President Jimmy Carter, visits North Korea.
April 29 - North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly rescinds Hyundai's rights at Mt. Geumgang and designates the area a new special zone for international tourism.
May 3 - The ROK's investigation team announces that North Korea was behind the paralysis of the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation's banking system, which happened on April 12.
May 9 - President Lee Myung-bak says he is willing to invite Kim Jong-il to the Nuclear Security Summit 2012 if Kim fully agrees to denuclearize.
May 20 - May 26 Kim Jong-il visits China.
May 24 - Robert King Special Envoy for North Korean Human Rights Issues leads an evaluation team to asses the food situation in North Korea.
May 28 - Special Envoy Robert King returns to the US with an American citizen, Jeon Yong-su who had been detained in North Korea.
May 30 - A spokesperson for the North Korean National Defense Commission announces that North Korea will no longer associate itself with the South, arguing that the South has been plotting an anti-Communist movement.
June 1 - A spokesperson of the National Defense Commission releases false information about a secret meeting between North and South Korean officials, which took place in Beijing on May 9.
June 2 - North Korea announces the adoption of the Special Law on the Geumgang Tourist District.
June 9 - The Korean Central News Agency threatens to disclose voice recordings of a secret meeting that took place in Beijing on May 9, accusing the South of distorting facts and details of the talks.
June 29 - North and South Korean officials meet to discuss the issues pertaining to the South Korean assets in the Mount Geumgang Tourist District.
July 22 - North and South Korean officials hold a meeting at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
July 29 - North Korea’s Guidance Bureau of Special Zone for International Tour of Mt. Geumgang says it will dispose of South Korean companies’ assets if they do not come to negotiate asset disposal matters. North Korea warns that South Korean companies will lose their possessions if they did not come to negotiate their disposal in three weeks’ time.
August 3 - South Korea’s Red Cross announces its willingness to offer basic humanitarian supplies to flood victims.
August 4 - North Korea’s Red Cross asks the South to deliver food and cement.
August 10 - South Korea writes a statement to North Korea, informing them of the relief items, delivery time and method.
- Hyundai Asan’s President Jang Kyung-jak visits Mt. Geumgang to discuss asset disposal matters and to negotiate South Korean companies’ property rights in the Mt. Geumgang district.
- A North Korean representative to inter-Korean military talks says the South’s claim that North Korea opened fire at South Korea is “preposterous.” North Korea says the South mistook construction noise for artillery.
August 15 - In his presidential address delivered on the 66th Anniversary of Liberation, President Lee Myung-bak says, “it is incumbent for both South and North Korea to build up mutual trust with responsible deeds and a sincere stance.”
August 19 - Hyundai Asan affiliates visits Mt. Geumgang to negotiate asset disposal matters.
August 22 - North Korea says all assets owned by South Korean companies in the Mt. Geumgang resort are banned from being taken out and asks the South Korean workers to leave the resort within 72 hours.
August 23 - 14 South Korean workers leaves the Mt. Geumgang resort.
September 3-7 - A Buddhist delegation of South Korea visits the North to attend services held to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the creation of a set of wooden scriptures held scared by Buddhist in both Koreas.
September 12-15 - Chung Myung Hun, Art Director and Principal Conductor of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, visits Pyongyang.
September 19 - Yu Woo-ik is sworn in as the 36th Minister of Unification.
September 21-24 - The Korean Conference of Religion for Peace (KCRP) comprised of seven largest religious groups’ leaders and staff members visits Pyongyang and Mt. Baekdu.
September 21 - South and North Korean officials meet in Beijing for bilateral denuclearization talks.
- President Lee delivers keynote speech at the 66th UN General Assembly. President Lee says “South Korea and the International community are willing to help North Korea if it chooses the path toward mutual benefit and common prosperity.”
September 27 - Kim Jong-il sends his condolences to the bereaved family of Park Yong-gil.
September 30 - Leader of the Grand National Party, Hong Joon-pyo visits Gaeseong Industrial Complex.
October 4 - Nine North Korean refugees whose boat drifted to Japan arrive in South Korea.
October 4 - Two North Korean refugees express their desire to defect.
October 5 - North Korea’s Central Committee of the Red Cross Society demands the return of the two North Korean refugees who expressed their wish to defect.
October 6 - The ROK government informs North Korea that it will make a decision according to the wishes of the two North Korean refugees.
October 6 - North Korea’s Central Committee of the Red Cross Society demands the return of the two North Korean refugees and nine other North Koreans who drifted into Japanese water
October 8 - North Korea’s Representative of the General-level Inter-Korean Military Talks issues a warning against South Korea
October 11 - The ROK government announces its plan to ease the difficulties that GIC companies face. The ROK government decides to resume constructions that were halted by the May 24 Measures and improve the transportation services for GIC workers.
October 17-20 - South Korean and American scholars and North Korean government officials attend an academic forum held at University of Georgia in the US.
October 18-20 - North Korea and US hold working-level talks in Bangkok to discuss the recovery mission for the remains of US troops.
October 19 - Kim Jong-il answers questions posed by Russia’s Itar-Tass News Agency. Kim Jong-il says denuclearization of the Korean peninsula is a dying injunction of Kim Il-sung and that North Korea is committed to denuclearizing the peninsula.
October 20 - Spokesperson of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland criticizes South Korean President for his state visit to Washington.
October 24-25 - North Korea and the US meet in Geneva for nuclear talks.
October 28 - The South-North Historians Associations delegates and Gaeseong Manwoldae Excavation team visit North Korea for working-level talks.
November 2-5 - Representatives of the National Council of Churches in Korea visit Pyongyang to discuss the possibility of holding South-North joint prayer conference.
November 2 -7 - Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik visits Washington and New York City
November 8 - The ROK government approves the resumption of the WHO project (6.94 million USD)
November 9-15 - Employees of Hyundai Asan visits Mt. Geumgang to prevent facility damage that may be caused by the cold weather.
November 21 - The Third Committee of the UN approves draft resolutions on Human Rights Situations in North Korea
November 21-23 - Minister Yu visits Beijing
November 24 - KPA Supreme Command condemns the ROK-US military drills, which were held to commemorate the first anniversary of North Korea’s attack on Yeonpyeong Island.
November 30 - In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the North’s Foreign Ministry, North Korea argues that all sovereign states have a right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
December 7-11 - Special Representative for North Korea Policy Glyn Davies and Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks Clifford Hart visits South Korea.
December 15-16 - Officials from the US and North Korea meet in Beijing to discuss the possible terms of resuming humanitarian aid to North Korea.
December 19 - North Korea’s state media, Chosun Central Television, announces the death of Kim Jong-il.
December 20 - Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik issues a statement on the death of Kim Jong-il.
December 26 - Lee Hee-ho, the widow of former President Kim Dae-jung and the chairwoman of Hyundai Asan Hyun Jeong-eun visit North Korea and express sympathy over the death of Kim Jong-il.
December 28 - North Korea holds a state funeral for deceased Kim Jong-il.
December 29 - North Korea convenes a huge rally to commemorate Kim Jong-il.
2012
Major events in Inter-Korean Relations
Major events in Inter-Korean Relations
Date Events
January 1 - North Korea releases its annual New Year’s Joint Editorial.
January 2 - President Lee Myung-bak delivers New Year’s Address on National Policy.
January 2 - Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik delivers New Year’s message.
January 5 - Ministry of Unification briefs President Lee Myung-bak on its work plans for 2012.
January 16 - AP opens an office in Pyongyang.
January 17 - Korea Forest Service of the ROK sends a notice to North Korea’s Minister of Land Administration, proposing to hold working level talks on pest control at ancient tomb sites in North Korea.
February 7 - The ROK resumes normal operation of hot lines at Panmunjeom.
February 10 - A delegation of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Inter-Korean Relations Committee visits the Gaeseong Industrial Complex.
February 14 - The ROK Red Cross Society proposes working-level inter-Korean talks on holding reunions for separated families.
February 19 - In a telegram issued by North Korea’s top representative of the Inter-Korean General-level Talks, North Korea warns South Korea over military drills, stating that it will launch strikes in response to South Korea’s live-fire drills.
February 12-March 1 - Minister of Unification Yu Woo-ik visits Germany and Belgium for high-level talks with German and EU officials.
February 23-24 - The US and North Korea hold the 3rd round of nuclear talks in Beijing.
February 27-March 9 - The ROK and the US conduct the joint US-ROK Key Resolve Exercise.
February 29 - The US and North Korea announce the results of the nuclear talks, dubbed as the Leap Day Deal.
March 7-8 - The US and North Korea hold working-level talks in Beijing to discuss the terms of possible food aid to North Korea.
March 14 - Chung Myung-whun conducts the joint performance of North Korea’s Unhasu Orchestra and the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra.
March 16 - In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Korea Committee of Space Technology, North Korea announces its plan to launch a “working satellite.”
March 21 - The US State Department announces its decision to suspend its effort to recover remains of the fallen American soldiers in North Korea.
March 22 - The US Human Rights Council adopts a resolution condemning human rights violations in North Korea.
March 25 - North Korea holds a national memorial service to mark the 100th day since Kim Jong-il’s death.
March 26-27 - The ROK government hosts the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul.
April 10 - The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification makes remarks on North Korea’s missile launch plan.
April 11 - North Korea holds the 4th Party Conference in Pyongyang.
April 13 - North Korea launches a missile.
April 13 - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kim Sung Hwan issues a statement on North Korea’s missile launch.
April 13 - North Korean media admits that the long-range missile failed to enter the orbit.
April 13 - North Korea holds the 5th session of the 12th Supreme People’s Assembly.
April 15 - North Korea holds events to celebrate Kim Il Sung’s 100th birthday.
April 15 - The United Nations Security Council issues a presidential statement strongly condemning the 13 April 2012 launch by North Korea.
April 17 - North Korea’s Foreign Ministry releases a statement dismissing the UN Security Council’s strong condemnation of the North Korea’s missile launch.
April 18 - North Korea’s military warns the ROK of “special actions that can wipe out everything within minutes.”
April 20 - President Lee Myung-bak gives a special lecture at the Top Executive Program for Unification Policy.
April 23 - The spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification urges North Korea to stop throwing verbal attacks and threats.

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