Yoon picks for national security, defense chiefs draw opposition ire
Korea HeraldAug 15
South Korea Seeks Dialogue, Cooperation with North
Above: South Korean Pres. Yoon Suk Yeol. Image copyright: Kin Cheung/WPA Pool/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Facts
In a speech on Thursday to mark the end of Japanese rule over the Korean peninsula, South Korean Pres. Yoon Suk Yeol called for a working-level dialogue consultative body to ease tensions with North Korea.
In his speech, Yoon outlined his "freedom-based unification" vision with North Korea and said he would begin political and economic cooperation if Pyongyang "takes just one step" toward denuclearization.
The Spin
Narrative A
Yoon proposes unification by absorption, not by uniting two equals. His "vision" primarily focuses on challenging and inducing change within the Kim Jong Un regime and influencing North Koreans. It's a plot to consolidate his pro-Japan, pro-US, ultra-right forces and instigate war with Pyongyang.
Narrative B
North Korea insults Yoon and threatens to annihilate South Korea. Yet, the South Korean president is reaching out to his neighbor to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges to create a free and unified Korean Peninsula, which would ultimately end the misery and despair of the North Korean people.
Narrative C
Yoon's offer isn't feasible under current realities. Locked in acute confrontation, liberal South Korea and totalitarian North Korea don't share the same culture, language, identity, and history — preconditions for reunification. Seoul and Pyongyang would be better off peacefully coexisting as separate political entities.