hankyoreh

By Jung Hyuk-june, staff writer
When it came to two different methods of unification-absorption and gradual consensus- both progressive and conservative panelists came out unanimously in favor of the latter. There were, however, subtle differences of opinion within this unanimity.
Professor Yun Yeong-gwan said, “Rapid unification by absorption is totally undesirable, as it presents a danger of military clashes and would be a big economic burden.” He continued, “Because unforeseen circumstances could arise, we need to prepare for rapid unification, but making such plans public is not desirable.”
Professor Moon Chung-in emphasized, “If a democratic uprising in North Korea established a new government, that government would not cede sovereignty to South Korea. When it comes to unification under communism, North Korea’s capacity is weak. Unification by military force is something we must prevent at all costs. In terms of probability and desirability, there is no better option than unification by gradual consensus.”
Moon pointed out that German unification had looked like absorption to outside observers, but had to be regarded as based on consensus because of the constant efforts by West Germany to improve relations and voluntary agreement by East Germany that occurred on the inside. He criticized South Korea’s leadership, saying, “The Lee Myung-bak government has confused the public by sending a message of unification by absorption on one hand, while putting forth plans for gradual unification as its official policy.”
Korea Institute for National Unification President Kim Tae-woo said, “The unification method officially pursued by our government is one of gradual consensus, but talk of absorption, too, is not taboo. We make have assume responsibility for North Korea at a time when South Korea does not want unification by absorption; if this happens in the absence of a public consensus we will not be properly prepared. We need to explain this to North Korea.”
Hankyoreh journalist and former Hankyoreh Peace Institute director Kang Tae-ho said, “Unification in the style of Germany, where West Germany absorbed East Germany at a high cost, was wrong. In terms of realistic models, we could consider the China-Taiwan model as an option.”
　
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