May 24 measures

The May 24 measures, also called 5.24, are the sanctions imposed by South Korea against North Korea preventing economic relations with North Korea, implemented in response to the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan on 26 March 2010 that resulted in the death of 46 sailors.[1] In October 2018, the South Korean government was considering lifting the May 24 measures against North Korea,[2] though the United States President Donald Trump expressed displeasure at the move.[3]

Background

After the ROKS Cheonan sinking on 26 March 2010, a South Korean investigation concluded that the ship had been sunk by North Korea using a torpedo.

The May 24 measures were intended to address North Korean responsibility for the sinking and to normalize the relationship between South and North Korea.

The main sanctions are:

  • banning visits by South Koreans to North Korea
  • halting all North-South trade
  • prohibiting business expansion by South Koreans in the north
  • halting all aid projects
  • prohibiting North Korean ships from sailing in South Korean waters.[4]

Reactions

The Democratic Party of Korea has argued that the May 24 measures prevent NK-SK relations from progressing.[5]

On 25 May 2015, North Korean state media condemned the sanctions, saying "the May 24 step remains a cancer-like entity, blocking the improved relations between the north and the south, spoiling the national concord and unity and escalating the confrontation and tension."[6]

On 24 May 2017, presidential special advisor Chung-in Moon suggested the measures could be removed, saying "In order for the newly launched administration to take the initiative in inter-Korean relations, it needs to recognize the limitations of the May 24 measures and to resolve these in a forward-looking manner."[7]

References
  1. Korean Tensions Grow as South Curbs Trade to North
  2. ‘Government looking into ending May 24 measures on NK’: Foreign Minister Kang
  3. Mike Pompeo displeased by agreement between Koreas
  4. May 24 measure’ halting inter-Korean exchange to be lifted
  5. "실효성 없는 5·24 조치 하루빨리 철회해야" [The ineffective measures should be withdrawn as soon as possible.]. Oh-My-News. 2011-10-30. Retrieved 2018-05-19.
  6. North Korea blasts May 24 sanctions
  7. Moon Chung-in alludes to adjusting May 24 sanctions on North Korea
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