April 30, 2024
Analysis

On YouTube, ROK minister nominee spread fringe theories of North Korean collapse

Experts say videos raise concerns about judgment of Kim Yung-ho, president’s pick to lead unification ministry

The nominee to be South Korea’s next unification minister repeatedly predicted the imminent collapse of the North Korean state and promoted related conspiracy theories on his personal YouTube channel, according to NK News analysis, findings that experts say raise questions about his judgment on DPRK issues.

President Yoon Suk-yeol named professor Kim Yung-ho to lead the unification ministry overseeing inter-Korean ties last Thursday, and the selection of a former official in the conservative Lee Myung-bak administration has drawn sharp criticism from progressive politicians and media, who have focused much of their attention on Kim’s YouTube channel.

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