Why Did Current and Former Politicians and Experts from Both Sides Gather to Discuss Unification Policy?

[Financial News] On the 29th, over 100 current and former members of the National Assembly, political veterans, past and present presidents of the Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS), and international affairs experts—including Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young, Chung Dae-chul, Kim Hyong-o, former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan, Kwon No-Gap of the Kim Dae-jung Memorial Foundation, and former Ambassador to Japan Kang Chang-il—gathered at Constitution Hall, Yeouido. They discussed the achievements and setbacks of South Korea's unification and inter-Korean policies across the last eight administrations.
It was a rare occasion for current and former lawmakers from both sides, senior political figures, and leading academics in international politics to come together and exchange views on unification policy.

The event was organized as a book concert to mark the publication of Professor Inha An’s new book. As the title suggests, the discussion naturally revolved around the book’s content and An’s presentation.
Chung Un-chan, former Prime Minister and former President of Seoul National University, who delivered a book review, remarked, "At a time when discussions on unification are waning, Professor An’s new book serves as both an academic work and a practical guide for citizens and policymakers. I expect it to reignite the debate on unification."
Chung Dae-chul, President of the Constitutional Association, also commented, "The book provides insightful evaluations and well-organized summaries that allow readers to see at a glance what efforts—progressive or conservative—have been made by the eight administrations and what they have achieved." He added, "It offers new perspectives and insights on achieving peaceful coexistence, unification, democracy, and economic development."
On the issue of resolving North Korea’s nuclear problem, Professor An presented six scenarios ranging from the possibility of war to peaceful solutions. He explained the direction of inter-Korean exchange and cooperation in the context of North Korea–U.S. and China–U.S. relations.
Professor An stated, "Through bipartisan cooperation on goals and means, we can build 'strategic reliability' by pursuing consistent policies. This effort to reach a national consensus will allow us to take another step toward national integration and unification."

Kim Sung-tae, former floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, pointed out that North Korea is seeking recognition as a nuclear state and may propose nuclear disarmament talks with the United States in the future. Other attendees included Yu Yongwon, a defense expert; Hong Ihk-pyo, a unification expert and former floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK); former Ambassador to China Kwon Young-se; and about 20 current and former lawmakers, including Shin Gyeong-min, Bae Youngsik, and Lee Kyung-jae. From academia, participants included Yongho Kim, former president of the Korean Political Science Association (KPSA); Kim Hyeong-Guk and Kang Taehun, former presidents of The Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS); Hyug Baeg Im, emeritus professor at Korea University; Insub Mah, former vice president of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU); and Sim Ji-yeon, emeritus professor at Kyungnam University.
Although Chung Dong-young, Minister of Unification, could not attend due to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, he sent a recommendation and message: "This book is a guide for researchers, a manual for policymakers, and a source of reflection for citizens. I hope it will be widely read and spark greater interest and discussion on unification issues."
Professor Inha An has taught and conducted research at Korea University, Peking University, Renmin University of China (RUC), Ritsumeikan University, and Keio University. He served as the 56th president of The Korean Association of International Studies (KAIS), chaired the Policy Evaluation Committee of the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and was an advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification (MOU).
His published works include "China, the United States, and the Korean Peninsula" and "South and North: Challenges and Frustrations of Eight Administrations (From Roh Tae-woo to Yoon Suk-yeol)."


june@fnnews.com Lee Seok-woo Reporter