South Korea Approves Contact with North Korea by Six Civilian Organizations

On June 25, 2025, the Ministry of Unification in South Korea announced the approval of contact with six civilian organizations aimed at fostering communication and dialogue with North Korea. This initiative is part of efforts to restore inter-Korean communication channels and promote a peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula through humanitarian aid and cultural exchanges.

The approved organizations include two humanitarian aid groups, three cultural exchange organizations, including the Korea Economic and Cultural Cooperation Foundation (경문협), which is led by Im Jong-seok, the former chief of staff to President Moon Jae-in, and one organization attending international conferences.

In contrast, the previous administration under President Yoon Suk-yeol had only permitted temporary contacts for humanitarian aid following natural disasters in August of last year. The current government is committed to enhancing various forms of civilian exchanges between the North and South, particularly in cultural and social sectors.

According to the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act, any contact or communication with North Korean residents must be reported to and approved by the Ministry of Unification in advance. However, government approval does not guarantee immediate contact, as the North has closed all channels of communication following Kim Jong-un's 'anti-unification two-state policy,' which led to the dissolution of inter-Korean organizations. Consequently, South Korean civilian groups must now seek indirect communication with North Korea through third-party organizations, such as overseas Korean groups.

A Ministry of Unification official stated, "It remains uncertain whether North Korea will respond positively to the intentions of these civilian organizations, given that they have closed all channels with us. We will continue to review reports of contact with North Korean residents in accordance with relevant laws."