Inter-Korean talks is expected

Inter-Korean relations are taking a conciliatory turn after months of heightened tension following North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket in December and third nuclear test in February.
With the North's first propose, two sides hold ministerial-level talks in Seoul on June 12 to discuss diverse pending issues, such as normalization of the suspended Gaeseong industrial complex and Mt.Geumgang tours.

Yes, this talk definitely will ease tension on the Korean Peninsula. Yet, it is premature to expect any breakthrough in cross-border relations.


First of all, resuming operation of Gaeseong complex could prove harder than it sounds. It was suspended two months ago following the North's unilateral withdrawal of its workers. Now North Korea wants to talk about reopening the complex. However, Seoul cannot and should not reopen the complex as if nothing has happened. North Korea should clarify that they will compensate for the losses sustained by the South Korean companies. More importantly, Pyongyang has to equip strong assurances that it will abide by inter-Korean agreements and never again disrupt the operation of the complex.


In addition, Pyongyang offer guarantees for the safety of tourist to the scenic mountain resort. The reason why Mt.Geumgang tours was suspended is that in July 2008, a 53-year-old housewife as the civilian tourist to Mt.Geumgang, got shot and killed by a North Korean soldier while she was walking around the resort area. South Korea government urged the North to cooperate in the investigation the North refused and blamed Seoul for tourist' shooting death.

Also, Pyongyang's proposal has no mention of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, still less the abandonment of its nuclear weapons. This shows that the North has no willingness to change course. Unless North Korea decides to renounce its nuclear programs, a genuin reconciliation cannot be expected.


North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has repeatedly vowed to persue a two-track strategy-promoting economic development and bolstering its nuclear arsenal simutaneously. This is however, a non-starter.

We have to keep in mind that the North's motivations behind the latest conciliatory gesture is probably the dictator's desire to prop it up with money from Seoul and to find a way to avoid sanction from International Society after the notorious third nuclear test.