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Korea Herald
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Lee Kyong-hee] Recalibrate moves for peace in Korea
One day in late 2017, after work at the Pentagon, then-US Secretary of Defense James Mattis quietly slipped into the National Cathedral in Washington. Mattis directed his security detail to allow him to enter alone so he could pray and reflect. 'What do you do if you've got to do it?' Mattis asked himself. 'You're going to incinerate a couple million people.' He had been in enough wars to know what one on the Korean Peninsula would entail. Now the question for him was how to fulfill his duty knowing his decisions might have epic consequences. President Donald Trump's maximum pressure on North Korea included not only draconian economic sanctions but verbal assaults against Kim Jong-un, including 'fire and fury' and 'nuclear obliteration.' Only the president could authorize the use of nuclear weapons, but Mattis believed the decision would rest on his recommendation. By then, the North Korean leader possessed, for the first time, both nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles that could carry a nuclear warhead to the US homeland. Kim had been launching missiles at an alarming rate during the first year of Trump's presidency, including an unprecedented ICBM on July 4. The North conducted its sixth nuclear test -- its most recent one to date -- two months later. In his 2020 book, 'Rage,' Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward describes Mattis returning to the cathedral several more times that year 'to find peace before the moment came.' Woodward writes that, when he walked out of his last visit, Mattis had cleared the decks: 'I'm ready to go to work. I'm not going to think any more about the human tragedy.' Fortunately, things soon transpired in an entirely unexpected way. Kim offered to participate in the Winter Olympics to be hosted by South Korea in February 2018, setting off a whirlwind of cross-border exchanges, which would culminate in the first-ever summit talks between the United States and North Korea. In the past six years — from the 'no deal' in Hanoi in February 2019 to Trump's return to the White House for his second term earlier this year — the geopolitical matrix surrounding this peninsula has become tremendously more complicated. Inter-Korean relations as well as ties between Washington and Pyongyang have hit rock bottom. North Korea has noticeably strengthened its position with its renewed partnership with Russia, while the intensifying rivalry between the US and China is fundamentally rocking the global order. Against this volatile backdrop of international politics, it is with much interest — no doubt with caution as well — that one observes the North's unusual response to recent events that carry far-reaching significance. Amid the chaotic government turnover in the South and the US airstrikes on Iran's three key nuclear facilities, Pyongyang has responded with rarely seen restraint and composure. In the unstable wake of the US strikes in Iran, the North Korean Foreign Ministry expressed its serious concern and denounced the US government for violating Iran's territorial integrity and the United Nations Charter, but did not mention support for Tehran. The response is unexpected given Pyongyang's decadeslong friendly relationship with Tehran. The two countries are widely suspected of sharing weapons technology and underground construction know-how. It can be assumed that Kim Jong-un fears the US capability to carry out precision strikes using bunker-buster bombs. It can also be conjectured that Trump's unilateral action has only hardened Kim's determination to further accelerate his nuclear program and deepened his mistrust of Trump's North Korea policy. But it is too early to discern Kim's total calculus of the Middle East while developments in the region remain fluid. No less important, the North has shown reasonable prudence in responding to events in the South. Even when former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his defense chief were accused of trying to provoke the North into a military response to justify martial law, the North remained silent. In the past, such an allegation would have likely triggered bombastic rhetoric and threats. President Lee Jae-myung has quickly changed the political climate just weeks into his tenure. His picks for key Cabinet posts handling inter-Korean affairs send an explicit message. Chung Dong-young, the unification minister nominee, and Lee Jong-seok, now head of the National Intelligence Service, are known for their pro-detente activities under previous liberal administrations and have expressed commitments to inducing a thaw. Experience tells us that a breakthrough with the North should be cloaked in cautious optimism. We can expect Lee's pursuit of peace will continue. Ideally, Kim should respond and take the path to economic development to save the North Korean population from dire poverty — and keep a nuclear nightmare on the Korean Peninsula at bay. The X factor may be the US. Trump makes no secret of his desire for the Nobel Peace Prize. After taking an outsized role in the Middle East, perhaps he will reengage on the Korean Peninsula, where he often claims he prevented a major war. That could mean an unreliable partner for the Lee administration. Trump likes the spotlight on him alone and insists on setting terms. Trump's overture to Kim signifies a rare window of opportunity, but with risks of uncertainty. That burden will fall on Lee, who will have to take cautious steps — one at a time — resolutely and steadfastly toward peace.
Euronews
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Six Americans detained for trying to send Bibles to North Korea
Six American nationals were taken into custody in South Korea on Friday for trying to send 1,600 plastic bottles filled with rice, US dollar bills and Bibles to North Korea by sea, local police have reported. The group attempted to cast the bottles into the sea from the front-line Gwanghwa Island, hoping they drift toward the North Korean coast with the tide, according to a police office speaking on the condition of anonymity. The six are under investigation for potentially breaching the law on the management of safety and disasters. A second officer confirmed the detentions but did not provide further information. It is not clear whether any of the detainees have taken similar actions before. The use of floating bottles or balloons to send anti-North Korea materials — ranging from propaganda leaflets to religious texts — has long been a source of friction on the Korean Peninsula. Retaliating to material sent from its neighbour's territory, North Korea launched its own balloons containing waste into South Korea last year, with at least two reaching the presidential compound in Seoul. In 2023, South Korea's Constitutional Court annulled a 2020 law that banned the sending of leaflets and other items to North Korea, deeming it an excessive restriction on free speech. However, the newly inaugurated liberal administration of President Lee Jae-myung hopes to curb such actions by using alternative public safety legislation, citing the need to de-escalate tensions with the North and safeguard residents living near the border. On 14 June, an activist was arrested for allegedly launching balloons from Gwanghwa Island. President Lee, who assumed office in June, has pledged to resume peace talks with North Korea and foster reconciliation. His administration also suspended his country's use of anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts to ease tensions with its neighbour. No reciprocal broadcasts have been detected from the North since the measure was introduced. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether Pyongyang will engage with Lee's overtures. North Korea declared last year it would cut ties with Seoul and abandon the goal of peaceful reunification. Inter-Korean dialogue has remained frozen since 2019, when broader denuclearisation talks between Pyongyang and Washington collapsed.
Korea Herald
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Foreign minister nominee puts peace through dialogue at top of agenda
Foreign Minister nominee Cho Hyun said Tuesday that establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue will be a key priority of the Lee Jae Myung administration's foreign policy. "Inter-Korean issues are not something that can be addressed by a single ministry or resolved by one government alone," Cho told reporters during a doorstep interview following his nomination the previous day. Cho underscored that 'establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula — through the facilitation of US–North Korea dialogue — is one of the top priorities of the Lee Jae Myung administration's foreign and unification policy.' 'The Foreign Ministry will work closely with the United States and other allies to ensure that there are no obstacles in advancing such efforts,' he said, responding to a question about the ministry's role in supporting summit-level talks between Washington and Pyongyang. "Diplomacy is about pursuing peace and prosperity," he said. When asked whether he would visit the US as his first overseas destination after taking office, Cho said, 'We need to break free from the conventional thinking that the first overseas visit must be to the US.' 'Still, I think it will naturally turn out that way. As for top priorities, there are many, and they are all interconnected,' Cho added, responding to a question about which agenda should be prioritized if he visits the US. With regard to Lee's decision to skip the NATO summit, Cho responded, "It was the best possible decision given the high level of uncertainty on multiple fronts.' Cho, however, did not provide a definitive answer when asked how he would redefine ties with China and Russia amid growing challenges, including intensifying US–China competition and deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, instead taking a cautious stance. 'This is a highly sensitive issue, and it should be considered alongside other major diplomatic matters," Cho said. "Of course, that's not to say that our relationship with China is unimportant — but rather that it must be examined and pursued within a broader context." On South Korea–Japan ties, Cho espoused a two-track approach: advancing overall relations while addressing contentious issues — mainly historical disputes stemming from Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945 — through diplomacy. 'While we seek to advance Korea–Japan relations beyond conventional frameworks, we should quietly address sensitive issues through discreet diplomacy.' On the topic of urgent diplomatic tasks, Cho underscored, 'It's like the movie 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' — it's difficult to assign clear priorities at the moment.' "I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility as I take on the role of foreign minister at a time when the international landscape is extremely unstable," Cho said, reflecting on his nomination.
Korea Herald
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Vice unification minister stresses need to 'disentangle' fractured inter-Korean ties
New Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-jung said Monday the government needs to start with small steps, including reopening now-suspended inter-Korean communication lines, to "disentangle" fractured relations and build trust with North Korea. Kim made the remarks in his inauguration speech, as he took office as the first vice unification minister under President Lee Jae Myung, who has pledged to ease military tensions and pursue dialogue with North Korea to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. "Starting from small things, like opening communication lines between the South and the North, the raveled inter-Korean relations should be disentangled," Kim noted. "Inter-Korean trust should be build piece by piece, without haste even though there is a long way to go." As inter-Korean ties drastically soured under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration, North Korea has shut down communication with South Korea since April 2023. South Korea continues to place daily calls to the North through an inter-Korean liaison communication line and a military hotline, but the calls have gone unanswered ever since. "Peace on the Korean Peninsula has reached a dead end worse than we have ever imagined," Kim said, referring to the prolonged lack of inter-Korean communication and Pyongyang's ongoing efforts to distance itself from Seoul. The vice minister emphasized Lee's remarks that "peace is better than war, however expensive it is," reiterating the president's pledge to build peace on the peninsula through dialogue and cooperation with North Korea. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
04-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
What Lee pledged to do as president
Global economic power Lee Jae-myung, who claimed victory with the highest number of votes in South Korea's history, pledged to transform the country into a top-tier economic powerhouse by heavily investing in future industries, particularly artificial intelligence and cultural exports. He plans to boost national AI competitiveness by providing infrastructure such as data centers, increased public-private funding and regulatory reforms. He said he would work to support Korea's content industries and those related to arts and culture, which he said could generate a total of 300 trillion won ($218 billion) in sales annually and 50 trillion won in exports by 2030. Key industries, including defense and strategic technology, will see tax incentives and targeted research and development, while food tech and green bio innovations will reshape agriculture into a smart and sustainable sector. Strengthening democracy Lee promised robust reforms to restore democratic order after the December 2024 martial law crisis. These include reinforcing civilian control over military powers, reducing the president's martial law authority and ending political retaliation practices. He aims to improve transparency in institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission and the Board of Audit. Judiciary and prosecution reforms include separating investigative and prosecutorial powers, expanding public legal access and introducing faster, more open trials. A key goal is to build an accountable, rights-respecting democracy anchored in public trust, he said. Revitalizing households Lee's third pledge focuses on easing household debt, supporting small business recovery and building a fair economic system. He proposed comprehensive debt restructuring for those affected by COVID-19 and martial law, as well as expanded financial support for small merchants. Measures include rent transparency, fee reductions, and local economic revitalization through digital and regional support. Lee also aims to curb predatory lending, reform housing policies to reduce rental fraud and burdens, regulate platform economy commissions and improve financial consumer protection. Corporate reform will target unfair practices, market manipulation and ensure shareholder rights. Practical foreign, security policy Lee vowed to pursue pragmatic diplomacy tailored to changing global dynamics. His administration will strengthen economic security, diversify trade and diplomatic ties —especially with the G20 and EU — and reform export strategies. Inter-Korean peace efforts will resume, with an emphasis on denuclearization and military tension reduction. Lee supports maintaining a strong US alliance while advocating for wartime operational control return. Additional policies include climate diplomacy, diaspora protection and supply chain safeguards. A broader diplomatic footprint will be realized through the upcoming APEC event in Gyeongju, strengthening ties with major countries in economic security. National safety and public health To ensure public safety, Lee proposed strengthening crime prevention, disaster response and medical access. Measures include cracking down on violent crime, expanding victim protection, and improving traffic, construction and aviation safety. On health care, Lee aims to resolve medical service gaps through better compensation, workforce expansion and a nationalized emergency response system. He supports telemedicine and improved care access for older adults and vulnerable individuals. A public dialogue-based health reform committee is suggested to address system sustainability and reduce insurance burdens, while reinforcing public trust in medical institutions. Sejong, regional empowerment Lee pledges to complete Sejong's status as the administrative capital by building a National Assembly annex and presidential office in the city, which is about 110 kilometers south of Seoul. Lee said he would push for the complete relocation of these institutions in the long term and make Sejong the nation's official capital. He will decentralize national growth through the '5 Megaregions and 3 Special Autonomous Provinces' strategy, boosting infrastructure and local autonomy. The plan includes expanding regional rail networks, encouraging strategic industries in each region and easing dominance focused on capital-region universities. A labor-respecting society Lee commits to building a society where all workers' rights are protected, whether regular employees, freelancers or platform laborers. Legislative changes will guarantee union rights for subcontractors and improve wage fairness via an earnings distribution system. Occupational safety, particularly for high-risk jobs, will be a priority, along with broader workers' compensation coverage. Gender equality in public institutions and reduced working hours to 4.5 working days a week are also on the agenda. Rights of workers in cultural sectors and disability access laws will be reinforced to foster an inclusive, fair labor environment that values human dignity. A country where all generations thrive To ensure a dignified life across all generations, Lee pledged to expand income support systems, ease living costs and strengthen welfare. He said he will raise the child funding age to 18, expand housing and tax benefits, and increase access to caregiving services, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities. Educational equity will be pursued through stronger public schooling and reduced private tutoring reliance. For youth, housing aid, job training and savings programs will be expanded. Measures for rural, single-person and single-parent households also aim to create a more equitable and secure society. Overcoming low birthrate, aging To tackle Korea's demographic crisis, Lee proposed boosting birth rates and care for older adults through targeted welfare. Policies include increased child care tax credits, subsidies for extracurricular activities and special housing for newlyweds. He promised that public day care and after-school programs will be expanded, and disability-inclusive care systems will be established. For aging populations, the government will support senior-friendly housing, improve dementia care and expand community-based medical services He also proposed aligning retirement and pension eligibility through expanding retirement age and reforming the housing and pension system to guarantee income security in the later phase of life. Active climate response Lee pledged aggressive action on climate change through carbon reduction and green energy expansion. South Korea will set ambitious emission targets and revise its Carbon Neutrality Framework Act. He aims to shut down coal plants by 2040, expand solar and wind power, and invest in smart grids and energy highways. Industries will receive support to transition to low-carbon practices, with incentives for clean tech innovation. Other initiatives include green remodeling, EV adoption and eco-friendly agriculture. Biodiversity restoration and plastic reduction will also be prioritized, alongside plans for a 'just transition' in vulnerable communities.
