Subscribe
E-Paper
 |
| A progressive group recently held a news conference at the National Assembly with mockups of President Moon Jae-in and North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un. They called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the North for its nuclear and missile programs to enable Kim's visit to Seoul. Yonhap |
By Oh Young-jin
By all indications, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un will likely visit Seoul before the end of this year. He promised this during President Moon Jae-in's visit to Pyongyang in September.
The media has been speculating on the dates but they have so far been denied.
Moon, on his way to New Zealand aboard Air Force One during his recent overseas tour, revealed U.S. President Donald Trump had cleared Kim's visit before the second Kim-Trump summit.
 |
| North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is all smiles during a recent visit to a shoe factory. Yonhap |
There is no reason to block Kim's visit to the South. It is better to welcome him, because there is a chance the trip will help ease inter-Korean tensions, push the two countries further along a reconciliation path and disarm Kim of his nuclear weapons and missiles.
But the visit should be made within the framework of our democratic system.
For example, anti-Kim Jong-un demonstrations should be allowed, as long as they don't violate the law related to assembly and expression. That means protesters should not resort to violence or break away from designated areas.
The same non-violence rules should apply to those who support Kim's visit. For violators on both sides, penalties should be fairly and strongly imposed.
So if Kim's motorcade goes through Gwanghawmun Boulevard, protesters and supporters should equally be allocated areas to express their feelings to the visitor.
 |
| People rally at Seoul Station to support North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit to Seoul after launching a committee to hasten the event. Yonhap |
If Kim wants to make an impact like Moon did when he mingled with North Korean residents during his Pyongyang visit, it should be left to his discretion.
However, the legal status of those who support the visit requires keen attention. Although it has not been actively enforced, the anti-North Korean National Security Law that bans support for the North has not been abolished. This exposes the supporters to the risk of legal trouble if the conservatives take over government.
That is why the Moon government should bring the opposition on board for Kim's visit.
Meanwhile, the opposition is demanding that Kim visit the National Cemetery to pay respects to the soldiers who died in the 1950-1953 Korean War and offer apologies for the North triggering the conflict that killed or maimed millions.
 |
| North Korean leader Kim Jong-un talks to officials during a visit to a fish warehouse. Yonhap |
The opposition finds itself in a position to make a reasonable demand because the people yearn for peace on the Korean Peninsula as much as for justice for the North's past aggression.
Some argue that Kim should be given a chance to address hundreds of thousands of South Koreans, after Moon took the opportunity to speak to thousands of North Koreans during his Pyongyang visit.
 |
| People gather at Seoul's Sejong University to discuss "participatory programs" during North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's visit. Yonhap |
In the South, where Moon was elected by the people and uses powers mandated by rules governing his office, a North Korean-style Potemkin show would not be possible.
So now a speech at the National Assembly is being pondered as a compromise because the lawmakers are also elected representatives of the people.
Given the chance, Kim would be advised to include a firm reference to the end of the Korean War that has been put on hold by a truce, whether it is an apology or an expression of regret. After all, he and Moon want to bring an official end to the conflict.
But it would be a great waste of a chance if Kim's southern trip whittles down to hiking on Mt. Halla.
