hankyoreh

professor of political science at the University of Georgia

By Park Hyun, Washington correspondent

As the Barack Obama administration enters its second term, observers are asking if there will be any changes to the US stance on North Korea. In an interview with the Hankyoreh on Nov. 10, Park Han-shik, a professor of political science at the University of Georgia, suggested that relations between the US and North Korea could be headed for a quick improvement, unlike in the first term of the Obama administration, which continually adhered a “strategic patience” policy toward North Korea. Prof. Park said, “I think the second term of the Obama administration will be focused on leading North Korea to take part in the global denuclearization as a partner. Kim Jong-un might accept such suggestions because he is under pressure to improve North Korea’s economy.”

Predictions for Obama’s North Korean policy during his second term?

“After winning a second term, president Obama can be less sensitive to public opinion or politics in the US. He may focus on efforts that ensure his legacy, and such a thing can most easily be accomplished in the foreign policy realm. Global denuclearization, which Obama discussed during his campaign, could be on the agenda. There have been two Nuclear Security Summits with no tangible results. For Obama, this issue might now be important. I think Obama is willing to make North Korea take part in the global denuclearization as a partner. Signing a peace treaty, the establishment of diplomatic relations, and substantial exchanges between the countries could be on the agenda. This would be beneficial to North Korea and the US could claim credit for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.

How do you think North Korea will respond?

"Kim Il-sung said that the existence of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula was unacceptable. North Korea will make a compromise for its economy and national interest. To accomplish its aim of establishing a strong country, military power is not enough. Kim Jong-un might accept the US’s suggestion to save his nation’s economy."

It seems like North Korea may be showing a more unyielding attitude to urge the US to first abandon its own hostile policy toward the North.

"There are changing and unchanging aspects to the North’s behavior. The national security issue remains the same. The North never compromises when something threatens the regime’s security. In a situation where military drills that challenge North Korea are taking place, North Korea never backs down. North Korea is calling for the US to abandon any intentions to threaten the North Korean regime. In return, North Korea would consent to meetings to discuss a peace treaty. The North very easily accedes to the agenda of economic cooperation and social exchange."

- When the Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations pushed ahead with the Sunshine Policy and engagement attempts with the North, the George W. Bush administration seemed very uncomfortable with those moves. If the next president seeks a similar policy, how do you think the Obama administration will respond?

"I think the Obama administration won’t object to the South’s provision of humanitarian aid to the North. Whatever it may be called, the content is mainly the humanitarian aid and activation of exchange. We should not call it a giveaway. Humanitarian aid, like food or fertilizer supply cannot be criticized. The US may think of inter-Korean exchange as an encouraging sign. The problem is that the US imposes its own sanctions on North Korea. This should be resolved. If this continues, the South cannot get its own way. In terms of the nuclear issue, South Korea has no leverage. The US may warn Seoul not to overstep its authority."

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