On September 2 the World Food Program again asked the South Korean government to participate in its food aid project for North Korea. It has asked Seoul to give aid several times since the spring, including when it sent an official letter last month. Being repeatedly asked by an international organization to give aid to North Korea is unprecedented.

The government said it is “in the process of deciding on food aid,” but looking at its approach, it would appear it is deliberately trying to pigeonhole the request. Reportedly, there were a lot of comments about how “now is not the time” at meetings last week of the Cabinet-level foreign policy and security coordination meeting and another of deputy ministers responsible for coordinating security policy. In other words, Pyongyang has yet to come to us with head bowed, so there’s no reason to give them any food. Given all the other atmospheric indicators, then, when the government said on September 2 that what is “most important” in deciding on aid is the “food situation in North Korea,” it is nothing more than an excuse for either postponing aid or not giving any at all. Why would the WFP be going on a massive aid project right now if the food situation in North Korea was not serious?

The administration is for all practical purposes linking aid to the Mount Geumgang (Kumgang) shooting death. Indeed, ever since the incident, all giving of any sort of goods to the North other than as part of the six-party talks has come to a halt. Travel by personnel between North and South is virtually suspended. This hard-line tone is not only inconsistent with the administration’s official position - that “humanitarian aid and other aspects of the inter-Korean relationship or the nuclear issue are separate matters” - but it could also hurt any chances of improving relations. There is no way for confidence to grow between the new administration in Seoul and the authorities in Pyongyang with the South hesitant about things like giving humanitarian aid.

Even within the ruling and majority Grand National Party there have been calls, as of late, for Seoul to give aid. That is good news, since it means it is possible there could be a change in how the ruling camp as a whole approaches North Korea policy. Even within the administration you are hearing a few calls for a change. The attitude of the Blue House will matter most. President Lee Myung-bak has no reason to drag his feet if he is really is serious about mutual prosperity with Pyongyang. He must not try to stifle the issue.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]