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North Korean ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol

Despite the confirmation that a large number of North Koreans were involved in the killing of Kim Jong-nam, North Korea remains shameless. Rather than taking responsible actions, it continues to talk about conspiracy theories. This is sure to provoke more anger from the international society. But it is also problematic for South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn to define the killing as an act of terrorism by North Korea and to talk about its “just deserts.”

“The only country that benefits from this incident is South Korea,” said North Korean Ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol on Feb. 20 as he denied allegations of North Korea’s involvement. On Feb. 17, he mentioned a conspiracy theory, raising the possibility that Malaysia had colluded with forces hostile to North Korea. It was entirely reasonable for Malaysia, which is currently investigating the incident, to summon Kang on Feb. 20 in protest and to recall its own ambassador to North Korea. Given North Korea‘s current behavior, it is absurd for Kang to suggest a joint investigation by the Malaysian police and the North Korean authorities.

Aside from the two female suspects, who are foreign nationals, the eight male suspects and people implicated in the case are all North Koreans. The four of them who were at the scene of the crime reportedly escaped Malaysia and returned to North Korea.

Under these circumstances, what the North Korean authorities ought to be doing is questioning the suspects itself. If it didn’t plot the murder, it should provide evidence through a thorough investigation. But North Korea is doing nothing at all. Its behavior is extremely irresponsible and anachronistic. Even China, North Korea’s “friend,” has hinted at its displeasure, while refraining from mentioning the incident. If the killing is ultimately confirmed to have been a North Korean act, it will not be easy for Kim Jong-un to escape the international stigma of being a “dangerous monster.”

But even so, it was rash for Hwang to declare the case to have been an incident of North Korean terrorism. Not only has is Malaysia’s investigation incomplete, but even if North Korea was behind the killing, it looks more like a purge of a domestic figure. That‘s why several countries and international organizations have been discussing the incident in terms of “human rights abuses by the Kim Jong-un regime.” Hwang’s remarks are even more troubling if they signal a tougher campaign against North Korea shortly before the upcoming South Korean presidential election. This incident has more to do with the undemocratic behavior of the North Korean regime than with a national security threat.

Even now, the North Korean regime ought to adopt an attitude of self-reflection and help reveal the truth of the case. Until North Korea makes an effort to get along with the international community, its international reputation is unlikely to improve.

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