[fn Editorial] Inter-Korean Relations: Time to Move Forward with a Long-Term Perspective

North Korea has been observed by our military dismantling loudspeakers aimed at South Korea in some forward areas since the 9th. It seems to be a response to our prior dismantling of all loudspeakers aimed at North Korea. This is North Korea's reaction following the cessation of loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea on June 11th, under the directive of President Lee Jae-myung, which was followed by the cessation of noise broadcasts toward the South within just 8 hours.

This can be seen as a sign of improvement in the severed inter-Korean relations. Since North Korea unilaterally cut off inter-Korean communication channels in April 2023 and has maintained a strategy of thoroughly ignoring South Korea, it can be read as a positive change. Moreover, the dismantling occurred after the announcement of the regular South Korea-U.S. joint exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) plan, which North Korea has criticized as 'invasion drills' while frequently provoking with missile launches, was made on the 7th.

However, I believe there is still a long way to go before substantial improvement in relations such as the full restoration of inter-Korean dialogue. In terms of a chess game, it is reasonable to see this as moving a 'pawn' or 'soldier' back by one square. There are numerous hurdles to overcome before reaching the stage of dialogue between the 'kings' (Han, Chu) after passing through the different ranges and roles of 'elephant', 'horse', 'cannon', and 'chariot'.

Kim Yo-jong, the sister of Kim Jong-un and a deputy director of the Workers' Party of Korea, stated in a statement on July 28th, despite our successive conciliatory policies toward North Korea, that "there is no reason to sit down with South Korea or discuss any issues," and that "the 'inter-Korean relationship' has completely moved away from the concept of being compatriots." This clearly expressed the intention not to recognize South Korea as a party to dialogue, whether we like it or not. Just like in a romantic relationship, both parties need to respond for it to work well, but if the other party does not budge, progress is unlikely.

Particularly, it is entirely disadvantageous for us that Donald Trump, the President of the United States, holds the key to North Korea-U.S. dialogue. It is said that President Trump unexpectedly asked about Kim Jong-un's well-being to the South Korean trade team just before the conclusion of the South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations at the end of last month, leaving the negotiation team very embarrassed. Since taking office, he has sent love calls saying, "I hope Kim Jong-un will return." Meanwhile, he has repeatedly referred to North Korea as a 'Nuclear Power', causing tension in the international community.

The security situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula is currently very severe. The United States is poised to demand an increase in defense cost-sharing using the potential reduction of U.S. forces in Korea as leverage. Kim Jong-un is also committed to nuclear disarmament or freeze through North Korea-U.S. dialogue without severing ties with President Trump. The early transfer of wartime operational control is not easy due to U.S. opposition. Meanwhile, North Korea and Russia are exchanging weapons and military technology. This poses a tremendous threat that could advance the timing of North Korea achieving nuclear sophistication.

In such times, we must not be swayed by what is immediately visible. Instead, we should approach the complex equation of North Korea issues with excessive calmness and composure, with a long-term perspective. It is important to remember that only then can we prevent North Korea's misjudgment and practically turn inter-Korean relations into a thawing mood.