By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Friday that North Korea’s release of water from a dam was a violation of international customary law.
Moon Tae-young, a spokesperson for the ministry said, “A country’s actions shouldn’t infringe upon the rights and benefits of the other.”
It was the first open condemnation from the foreign ministry.
North Korea released more than 40 million tons of water without notice, sweeping away six South Koreans who had been camping in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, to their deaths.
North Korea is remaining silent as to why it happened. It didn’t send an apology over the loss of lives, which has frustrated the South Korean government.
Moon said the administration is reviewing whether to bring the issue before the International Court of Justice.
But a high-ranking official of the foreign ministry said it would be less likely that the case will be brought to the international court.
“Both sides would have to reach an agreement in order to file a suit to the international court, which appears to be impossible in this case,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
Former President Kim Youngsam criticized the North for its “intolerable” behavior. He called for a stern reaction to prevent such a tragedy from occuring again.