Roh may watch controversial Arirang festival, visit Kaesong industrial park

Posted on : 2007-09-19 21:01 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST

With the inter-Korean summit less than two weeks away, President Roh Moo-hyun's itinerary in Pyongyang is gradually taking shape.

Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung told reporters Tuesday that the government will push for Roh and his entourage to watch North Korea's pro-communist propaganda festival, Arirang, on the sidelines of the inter-Korean summit slated for Oct. 2-4.

The Arirang festival, which features a pro-unification mass gymnastics performance, has been popular among both Western and South Korean visitors. Sections of the gymnastics performance are said to contain contents idolizing the North's deceased founder Kim Il-sung and his son and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

"The Arirang festival is a pride of North Korea. We have to respect such aspects. The (South Korean) government will consider Roh's observation of the performance, if such a request is made by the North," Minister Lee said.

Roh's spokesman Cheon Ho-seon also gave a similar answer during his daily media briefing.

"The Arirang festival is one of several options under consideration for Roh's non-summit itinerary. The South's advance team now staying in Pyongyang will check the contents of the performance. Some contents deemed inappropriate for the viewing by the president and South Korean officials could be deleted temporarily," said an informed government source.

Regarding the Arirang issue, public opinion in the South seems divided.

"Roh's attendance at the Arirang festival may create unnecessary ideological dispute. It is desirable that the president abstains from the pro-communist performance," said a North Korea watcher in Seoul.

Meanwhile, officials at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said that Roh may visit the North's industrial complex in its border town of Kaesong on his way back home on Oct. 4.

"The government will push for Roh's visit to the Kaesong industrial park on his way back to Seoul Oct. 4. But the North has yet to give a clear response," said a Cheong Wa Dae official.

Meanwhile, Minister Lee revealed Wednesday that Roh and Kim will together watch a South Korean troupe's performance during a South Korea-hosted dinner in Pyongyang.

The minister said the troupe will consist of about 10 persons, but declined to elaborate further.
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Yonhap)

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