Dialogue efforts worsen Pyongyang's rogue behavior
2024-09-23 06:38:37
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| North Korea has successfully tested "super-large" multiple rocket launcher, according to the Korean Central News Agency, Friday. Yonhap |
By Yi Whan-woo
North Korea has repeatedly displayed "rogue" behavior, with its latest actions ranging from a test of a "super-large" multiple rocket launcher, staging a World Cup qualifier match with South Korea behind closed doors, and unilaterally deciding to demolish South Korean assets at the Mount Geumgang Resort.
While analysts acknowledged the North's latest behavior resembles its past actions, they warned that its recent moves are increasingly worrisome.
They said this is because despite its leader's promise to become a "normal state," its latest actions are evidence of regression; and there is evidence the North has made advancements in its military technology.
Given this, the experts noted that the U.S. and South Korea should reconsider being "indefinitely" patient with the North in the hopes of it eventually denuclearizing.
"Pyongyang will not give up its nuclear weapons and the U.S. and South Korea are just buying it time," said a defector-turned-researcher, identified only by his last name Lee.
The test of a "super-large" multiple rocket launcher, Oct .31, coincided with the funeral of President Moon Jae-in's mother.
It also came after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent condolences to Moon.
The incident is reminiscent of North Korea's second nuclear test in May 2009, when the funeral of President Roh Moo-hyun was underway.
"The level of missile technology now and then, however, is poles apart," Lee said, pointing out that Pyongyang's missile can fly further and better evade South Korea's missile shield.
Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University, argued the World Cup qualifier match between the two Koreas in Pyongyang, Oct. 15, indicates Pyongyang is being regressive in its move to open its doors to the outside world.
One of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, the match at the May Day Stadium, was not open to any international media outlets or fans.
The scene was far different from the last inter-Korean match held at the same stadium in October 1990 during the rule of Kim's late grandfather Kim Il-sung.
Back then, 150,000 fans filled the ground to watch the friendly match.
"It is ironic that the situation has gotten worse than the Cold War," Shin said. "We should take the case seriously considering Kim Jong-un, unlike his grandfather and father, has been poised to open the country to the outside world."
The analysts said the North's notification to consult the South over demolishing the South Korean facilities at Mount Geumgang was "far more serious."
Opened in 1998, the resort, along with the joint industrial park in Gaeseong, North Korea, has been a symbol of reconciliatory efforts.
The North Korean leader appears to be stepping up his policy of "self-reliant" economic growth and running the Mount Geumgang Resort independently.
The North only insists on "consulting" with the South through exchanges of documents. Such a method of communication is seen as unrealistic here.
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