Seoul: The unification ministry is set to propose the removal of a mandate requiring South Koreans to report their interactions or meetings with pro-Pyongyang residents in Japan, as stated by a ministry official on Friday. The initiative aims to revise the current stipulations of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the ministry is collaborating with the National Assembly to introduce changes during this year's regular session. The existing law categorizes members of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) as North Korean under Article 30, treating them as North Korean residents irrespective of their nationality. This stipulation demands South Koreans to report pre-arranged meetings with Chongryon members or file reports after accidental encounters, with violations leading to fines or penalties.

The ministry's proposal for a legislative amendment arises from the recognition that Chongryon's size, membership, and nature have evolved since the law's inception in 1990, leading to unforeseen consequences. The organization's influence and membership are reported to have waned significantly over time, prompting critiques of the current legislation.

Critics contend that the law unjustly imposes a uniform reporting requirement on South Koreans interacting with Chongryon members, whose perspectives on North Korea are diverse. Additionally, the legal burden is cited in scenarios where South Koreans inadvertently engage with individuals in Japan without knowledge of their Chongryon association.

Nonetheless, proponents of the act maintain that Chongryon is still considered an anti-government entity within South Korea, arguing that eliminating the reporting mandate would be inappropriate.