S. Korea funds inter-Korean projects, separated-family DNA tests

Jan. 22 (Asia Today) -- South Korea approved funding of 17.1 billion won ($12.9 million) for seven inter-Korean exchange and cooperation projects, including programs for separated families and a joint Korean-language dictionary, the Unification Ministry said Thursday.

The plan was approved at the 340th Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council meeting, chaired by Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, using money from the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund.

Projects cited by the ministry included the joint compilation of a comprehensive Korean-language dictionary, a joint archaeological survey of Manwoldae in Kaesong and a DNA testing program for separated families.

The ministry said it will allocate 2.607 billion won ($2.0 million) for the dictionary project. It plans to publish a printed version after final talks with North Korea and to prepare an electronic version. It also said it will conduct public outreach aimed at restoring linguistic unity between the two Koreas.

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It will invest 845 million won ($635,000) in work tied to the Kaesong Manwoldae excavation project, including maintaining a digital system that compiles results from eight joint excavations conducted between 2007 and 2018 and preparing a permanent exhibition.

The ministry said 612 million won ($460,000) will be used for a DNA testing program for separated families. The project, launched in 2014, had enrolled 30,887 participants as of last year. The ministry said this year's effort will expand outreach to second- and third-generation families, overseas families, North Korean defectors and others seeking genetic testing.

A draft ordinance on inspection procedures for importing North Korean food products, which would streamline imports of items such as Taedonggang beer, was not approved and will be taken up at a later meeting, the ministry said. It said additional coordination is needed with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

The ministry said the proposed rules would set clearer requirements for registering overseas manufacturing facilities, outline on-site inspection plans and strengthen food safety testing. It added the measures, along with planned revisions to the enforcement decree of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act, are intended to support the resumption of small-scale inter-Korean trade and rebuild foundations for exchanges.

Thursday's council meeting was held in person for the first time in four years, since Feb. 10, 2022, the ministry said.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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