Kim Gunn, a first-term lawmaker-elect of the ruling People Power Party, poses during an interview with The Korea Times at the National Assembly in Seoul, May 2. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

Kim Gunn, a first-term lawmaker-elect from the ruling People Power Party, emphasized the importance of the international community working together to unanimously condemn North Korea's military provocations.

Kim, a seasoned diplomat who served as the special representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration before earning a proportional representative seat in the 22nd National Assembly, said Pyongyang's goal is to "routinize" its missile tests in an attempt to move on to bigger provocations.

"North Korea believes its continued violation of the U.N. Security Council Resolutions will trigger indifference in South Korea and the international community. However, we should work tirelessly with our allies and like-minded countries to send a strong message to North Korea that its provocative acts cannot be tolerated," he said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.

"Also, we should impose sanctions on North Korea's illegal cyber activities, particularly those intended to finance its weapons and missile development."

The lawmaker-elect expressed his intention to advance bills related to developing a sanctions clause and supporting the enhancement of subnational diplomacy in the Assembly, where he is expected to serve on the foreign affairs committee.

"Compared with other countries that have an applicable law when imposing sanctions, South Korea implements sanctions based on the guidelines held by relevant ministries," he said. "While working as a career diplomat, I realized the importance of subnational diplomacy. I wish there is a framework, in which a central government can support diplomatic activities by local governments."

Kim helped shape Yoon's "audacious initiative" that laid out the foundation of the current administration's approach to North Korea. Regarding criticism that it's a failed strategy, given Pyongyang's apparent escalation of bellicose rhetoric and activities, Kim expressed disappointment that North Korea refused to even come to the negotiating table.

"Critics misunderstand the characteristics of the audacious initiative. It is premised on the idea of a comprehensive, step-by-step denuclearization of North Korea and the normalization of inter-Korean relations in exchange for corresponding political and military measures such as providing diplomatic assistance for normalizing U.S.-North Korea bilateral relations in addition to economic assistance and infrastructure investment," he explained.

"We should continue to move forward with the 3D principle, consisting of taking a holistic approach that 'deters' North Korea's nuclear threats, 'dissuades' Pyongyang's nuclear development, and pursues 'dialogue.'"

Kim Gunn, a first-term lawmaker-elect of the ruling People Power Party, speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the National Assembly in Seoul, May 2. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

The diplomat-turned-lawmaker believes that the complete denuclearization of North Korea is still attainable.

"The complete denuclearization of North Korea is a goal that cannot and should not be given up. For the past 30 years, under both conservative and progressive administrations, South Korea has pursued a common goal of peacefully achieving the denuclearization of North Korea. It takes time, but if we consistently push for it with principles, we will eventually be able to reach denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula," he said.

Kim asserted that North Korea's recent "two states" narrative suggests that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un perceives his regime as threatened by South Korean influences such as K-pop and K-dramas.

"It's absurd to suddenly claim that the North doesn't share the same ethnic background with the South and won't seek unification. It suggests that Kim is being pushed into the corner to the point that he is making irrational decisions," he said.

As a member of the Assembly, Kim said he would continue efforts to enhance South Korea's diplomatic presence. That includes reaffirming its commitment to a strong alliance with the United States and Japan.

Asked about Seoul's chilled relations with Beijing and Moscow, Kim said South Korea faces a critical choice that needs to be made.

"Strategic ambiguity is the worst form of diplomacy for South Korea to follow. As a buffer state, we need to pursue our national interests and principles that are fundamental to our survival. Since South Korea is a liberal democratic country, we must strengthen solidarity with like-minded countries that share the same values," he said, referring to the Yoon administration's diplomatic strategy based on the "democracy versus authoritarianism" narrative.

However, he remained optimistic about improving ties with China and Russia.

"As neighboring countries, there are areas where we can seek mutual benefits. In other words, we could create mutually beneficial partnerships."

President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during their talks in San Francisco, Nov. 16, 2023. Yonhap

Kim identified improving ties with Japan as a significant diplomatic milestone for the Yoon administration.

"Without the normalization of South Korea-Japan bilateral ties, there can be no trilateral security cooperation between South Korea, the U.S. and Japan. President Yoon made a bold decision on Japan policy and the general public embraced the idea, paving the way for future-oriented relations," he said.

Kim said he doesn't think the result of the U.S. presidential election would pose a challenge to Seoul, adding that the South Korea-U.S. alliance will remain "resilient."

"Looking back at history, we have had challenging moments but we overcame them. We may have to make adjustments to our foreign policy based on continue t remainthe upcoming U.S. presidential election, but I'm confident that our alliance with the U.S. will continue remain strong in the future," he said.