Nam Kyung-pil: "Inter-Korean Dialogue Ongoing, but Artillery Strike Could Happen Anytime"

Regarding the recent North Korean artillery provocation, Gyeonggi Province Governor Nam Kyung-pil said that although inter-Korean dialogue is underway, the province must maintain vigilance and be fully prepared for any contingency.

Governor Nam made the remarks on the morning of the 23rd at an emergency response meeting held at the Integrated Defense Support Headquarters on the first floor of the Gyeonggi Province Government Office.

After receiving a situation briefing from Sim Kyung-seop, Gyeonggi Province's Emergency Planning Officer, Governor Nam said, "I spoke with the Yeoncheon County chief this morning, and he said North Korean artillery positions are still active. Although dialogue is progressing, an artillery strike could happen at any time."

Governor Nam added, "Resolving the issue through dialogue is the best approach, but we must nonetheless maintain the highest level of preparedness."

Since the North Korean artillery provocation on the 20th, Gyeonggi Province has established the Integrated Defense Support Headquarters at Governor Nam's direction and maintained hotlines with municipal and county governments in the border areas while receiving real-time situation reports and maintaining a state of readiness.

Gyeonggi Province has currently issued a standby order to all provincial government employees to respond within one hour in case of emergency mobilization.