The message demanded again that all of the detained citizens and their ship be sent back through the waters to which they had drifted due to bad weather.

The message said:

The detained citizens have made clear their stand to go back to the DPRK from the outset and demanded their early repatriation. Nevertheless, the south side claims that it will not send some of them, talking about "defection" and "respect for freedom of will." Such attempt can never be allowed as it is a very unreasonable and rude act contrary to humanitarianism and international usage.

Worse still, the south side has resorted to a sinister "defection operation", taking those citizens to different places all the while. This fact is arousing anger of everyone.

Their repatriation is an important matter related to the north-south relations rather than a humanitarian issue, the message said, warning:

If the south side does not comply with this just demand of the DPRK, it will be held wholly accountable for the consequences arising therefrom.