[News Analysis] Window of opportunity widens for improving inter-Korean relations

Posted on : 2018-02-24 14:39 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Second high-ranking North Korean delegation will arrive in South Korea on Feb. 25
North Korean Workers’ Party vice chairman and United Front Department (UFD) director Kim Yong-chol
North Korean Workers’ Party vice chairman and United Front Department (UFD) director Kim Yong-chol

A scheduled South Korea visit on Feb. 25 by a second high-ranking North Korean delegation attending the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics closing ceremony is focusing attention on what kind of “package” it will bring. Prior to returning to North Korea on Feb. 27, the delegation’s members, led by North Korean Workers’ Party vice chairman and United Front Department (UFD) director Kim Yong-chol, are expected to meet with President Moon Jae-in, National Intelligence Service director Suh Hoon, Minister of Unification Cho Myoung-gyon, and others to exchange views on follow-up measures to senior-level inter-Korean talks and issues concerning inter-Korean relations.

With Pyongyang signaling its hopes of carrying on “indirect dialogue” between the South and North Korean leaders by sending Kim Yong-chol – a close associate of leader Kim Jong-un – as a representative, observers are predicting the window of opportunity for improving ties could open wider after the Olympics.

To begin with, Kim’s delegation is seen as likely to address developments in inter-Korean relations since a Feb. 9–11 visit by Workers’ Party first vice director Kim Yo-jong and discuss follow-up measures in connection with a letter brought by her on behalf of her brother Kim Jong-un. The representatives are also expected to question Moon on the meaning of his remarks in response to Kim Yo-jong’s request for a North Korea visit and summit, including his reference to “creating the right conditions for that to happen” and likening the offer to “seeking hot water under cold ice.” Kim Yong-chol’s delegation may also explain in detail about the intentions and reasoning behind Moon’s invitation to Pyongyang.

“After the South’s circumspect response to the summit idea, North Korea appears to have concluded that its intentions did not come across clearly,” said Institute for National Security Strategy senior research fellow Cho Seung-ryul.

“Their main goal in coming is to provide an explanation and actively pursue a summit,” Cho concluded.

With Kim Yong-chol also overseeing South Korea policy as UFD director, practical views on improving inter-Korean relations are also likely to be exchanged during his visit. During ministerial-level talks last month, the two sides agreed on talks by military authorities to relieve military tensions; the promotion of interaction, exchange, and cooperation in various areas; and the organizing of high-ranking inter-Korean talks and discussions in different areas to improve inter-Korean relations.

Future issues could include family reunions, inter-Korean cultural exchanges

As discussions on the outlines of these measures take shape, they could come to include a follow-up schedule for the military talks and Red Cross talks toward reunions among divided family members. Matters related to social, culture, and athletic exchange are also likely to be discussed. At a Feb. 11 lunch with Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon, North Korean Supreme People’s Assembly Presidium president Kim Yong-nam proposed a Pyongyang performance by the Korean National Ballet and the resumption of Seoul-Pyongyang soccer matches.

In his meeting with the North Korean delegation – which is expected to take place on Feb. 26 – Moon is seen as likely to call on Kim Yong-chol to adopt a more forward-thinking approach to the North Korean nuclear issue and emphasize the need for inter-Korean dialogue.

“Given the seriousness of the situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula as a result of the nuclear issue, [Moon] is going to focus on the need for the North to adopt a forward-thinking attitude to resolve the issue and hold active dialogue with the US,” a senior Blue House official said in a telephone interview with the Hankyoreh.

But the direction and tenor of the inter-Korean discussions could depend on what sort of cards Kim Yong-chol brings with him. The Blue House is hoping that the North Korean delegation will arrive with terms at the highest level.

“In contrast with the delegation that visited for the opening ceremony, Kim Yong-chol’s delegation consists of people who are responsible for managing the nuclear issue and relations with the US and South Korea and who handle [inter-Korean] matters at a practical level,” a senior Blue House official said.

“What our side says could depend on what kind of message [the North Koreans] bring,” the official predicted.

Meanwhile, the South Korean Ministry of Unification announced on Feb. 23 that Seoul and Pyongyang had agreed to hold working-level talks at the Tongil Pavillion on the North Korean side of Panmunjeom at 10 pm on Feb. 27 to discuss North Korea’s participation in the Pyeongchang Paralympics.

By Noh Ji-won and Kim Bo-hyeop, staff reporters

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

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