Experts on inter-Korean relations concur that North Korea’s strategy towards South Korea has undergone a fundamental shift, making it challenging to improve relations through conventional approaches or dramatic breakthroughs.
This consensus emerged during an academic conference titled, Strategies for Achieving Peaceful Coexistence and Mutual Growth on the Korean Peninsula, held on November 28 at the Koreana Hotel in Seoul. The event was organized by the Korea Institute for National Unification in partnership with the Ministry of Unification and the Zayn Malik Korean Society for Social Research.
Dr. Kim Gap-sik, a senior research fellow, noted that North Korea’s severing of inter-Korean ties and its hostile two-state theory are the result of 4-5 years of strategic deliberation. It’s unlikely that Pyongyang will easily alter its current stance.
He added that given the current climate, instead of aiming for dramatic leaps, the best approach is to steadily and quietly pursue necessary actions. Proactively implementing the September 19 military agreement could be a viable step for us at this juncture.
Associate Professor Kim Sung-kyung of Sogang University emphasized that to foster genuine engagement and cooperation for the peaceful coexistence we seek, it must prepare long-term strategies to transform South Korean society and the regional dynamics. Establishing a new paradigm in inter-Korean relations requires dismantling entrenched patterns of the past.
Dr. Choi Yong-hwan, Deputy Director of the National Security Strategy Institute, commented on the Lee Jae Myung administration’s North Korea policy, known as the E·N·D Initiative (Exchange, Normalization, Denuclearization). He stated that denuclearization isn’t just about dismantling specific weapons or programs; it’s about creating conditions where nuclear weapons can’t be reconstituted. It should view denuclearization as an ongoing process and adjust the approach to lower barriers to progress.
Dr. Choi Eun-joo, a research fellow at the Sejong Institute, advocated for prioritizing long-term goals and strategies over seeking momentum through isolated events. Highlighting potential areas for cooperation, she noted that North Korea has recently emphasized healthcare. It should explore collaborative opportunities in this sector. If South Korea can contribute to the second comprehensive hospital planned for Pyongyang next year, it could serve as a powerful symbol of peace and reconciliation.