Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho emphasized the significance of employing "cultural" strategies to bring about internal change in North Korea during a recent forum in Washington. He highlighted the impact of South Korean pop culture on the traditionally rigid North Korean society, stating that it is causing "cracks" in the country's ideology-based framework. Kim pointed out the North Korean authorities' growing concern over the populace's increasing rejection of the traditional "juche" culture in favor of South Korean entertainment, such as K-pop and soap operas, which he described as a "fierce competition" for the consciousness of North Koreans. Furthermore, Kim warned North Korea and Russia about the alleged exploitation and neglect of North Korean workers abroad, asserting that the Ministry of Unification's Center for North Korean Human Rights Record will thoroughly document and preserve these cases of human rights violations. South Korean Ambassador to the United States Cho Hyun-dong also attended the forum, where he criticized Pyongyang for its control over various aspects of civilian life and characterized North Korean society as "grotesque," asserting that the ruling powers cannot sustain the regime without addressing the fundamental needs and welfare of the people. These statements came at a time when reports indicated that North Korean workers are being employed in violation of a UN Security Council resolution aimed at repatriating these workers, who are believed to contribute significantly to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.