[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] GP Withdrawal to Be Reconsidered

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The Ministry of National Defense is pushing forward with the dismantling of Guard Posts (GPs) within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in accordance with the September 19 military agreement, adapting to the circumstances. In particular, it has stated that it will independently proceed with matters that can be carried out without North Korea's cooperation.

On this day, Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo reported this plan during the '2020 Ministry of National Defense Work Report' held at Gyeryongdae in Chungnam, where the command headquarters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are gathered, presided over by President Moon Jae-in. At this meeting, the Ministry of National Defense announced plans to continue negotiations with North Korea this year for the withdrawal of GPs within the DMZ, applying the principle of proportionality to review phased GP withdrawal plans by eastern, central, and western regions. Under the September 19 military agreement, South and North Korea agreed to pilot dismantle 11 GPs, of which 10 have been dismantled.

The military authorities are also known to plan to consult with the North on preserving some GPs after the pilot dismantling, depending on the peaceful use of the DMZ in the future. South and North Korea have agreed that among the pilot dismantled GPs, one on the East Coast (South Korea) and one in the central region (North Korea) will have personnel and weapons withdrawn but will be preserved in their original form without destruction.

The South Korean East Coast GP preserved in its original form was first installed immediately after the 1953 Armistice Agreement. Formerly known as '369GP,' this site is about 580 meters away from a North Korean GP. It is the closest distance between South and North GPs within the DMZ. Located on a mountain summit, it offers a panoramic view of Haegumgang in North Korea.

However, the dismantling of GPs by both Koreas naturally stalled after the collapse of the second North Korea-U.S. summit in Hanoi last year and the rapid deterioration of North Korea-U.S. relations. Currently, it is reported that about 60 South Korean and 150 North Korean GPs remain within the DMZ. Further GP dismantling is expected to require prior consultation with North Korea.

The Ministry of National Defense also plans to support the internationalization of the DMZ as a peace zone and the creation of the DMZ Peace Trail. Earlier, in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September, President Moon Jae-in proposed the idea of internationalizing the DMZ as a peace zone, designating a peace cooperation zone connecting Panmunjom and Kaesong, and attracting UN agencies as well as peace, ecological, and cultural organizations within the DMZ. The international peace zone plan includes attracting UN agencies and peace, ecological, and cultural organizations to the DMZ, as well as cooperation with the UN Mine Action Service for mine removal in the DMZ.

Last year, the Ministry of National Defense established a Special Mobility Support Brigade and began preparatory work for mine removal in the DMZ. This year, it plans to promote legislation involving civilian and international organizations. The Peace Trail, a 500-kilometer walking path passing through 10 local governments near the DMZ border area, was partially opened last year. Since April last year, three sections in Goseong, Cheorwon, and Paju have been opened, attracting a total of about 14,000 domestic visitors.