Memorial Day, Korean War 'Patriotic Messages' Draw Support from Moderate and Conservative Groups... North Korea Leaflet Issue Emerges as Political Controversy
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, has emerged as a variable in President Moon Jae-in's 'Patriotic Politics' initiative. The Blue House had prepared a blueprint to emphasize patriotic messages in June, the 'Month of Patriots and Veterans,' aiming to embrace even moderate and conservative groups, but unexpected issues have arisen.
Kim Yo-jong strongly condemned the distribution of anti-North Korea leaflets by some domestic North Korean defector groups, bringing the government's response into focus. A senior Blue House official stated, "We will not comment on Kim Yo-jong's statement," but criticized, "Anti-North leaflets are truly a harmful and useless act."
The Blue House is paying attention to the fact that neglecting the issue of leaflet distribution could become an obstacle to President Moon's vision for the Korean Peninsula. The Ministry of Unification's review of a tentative 'Law to Prohibit the Distribution of Anti-North Leaflets' is in the same context. A senior Blue House official declared, "The government will firmly respond to any actions that threaten national security going forward."
The problem is that the Blue House and Ministry of Unification's response could provoke sentiments within the domestic conservative camp. The fact that Kim Jong-un's younger sister expressed discomfort about the leaflets using provocative language does not justify the Blue House and government responding in kind, which is considered inappropriate.
This controversy runs counter to the Blue House's original plan. For the Blue House, June is the 'month of presidential messages.' Starting with Memorial Day on the 6th, significant events are scheduled, including the June 10 Democratic Uprising Anniversary, June 15 North-South Joint Declaration Anniversary, and the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War on the 25th.
In particular, the Blue House is focusing on spreading patriotic messages related to Memorial Day and the 70th anniversary of the Korean War outbreak.
President Moon's act of tying the Samjeong Sword (三精劍) with a sash (綬幟) for 16 officers promoted to general rank on the afternoon of the 2nd at the Blue House State Guest House is noteworthy. Holding the event at the State Guest House, which hosts distinguished guests, is being analyzed as a gesture of respect toward generals.
The decision to hold the Memorial Day ceremony on the 6th at the National Daejeon Cemetery was also based on President Moon's judgment. Blue House aides reportedly consulted the president after the COVID-19 situation made it difficult to hold the ceremony at the National Seoul Cemetery, and he responded that it should be held at the Daejeon Cemetery.
A senior Blue House official explained, "The president's judgment was that the memorial service for the patriotic spirits who sacrificed their lives for the country cannot be skipped," adding, "The ceremony is held to convey the meaning that the state will surely remember and take responsibility for any sacrifice made by the people who protected the country on the site of patriotism."
The 'Kim Yo-jong risk' could undermine the significance of President Moon's patriotic messages. If public opinion forms that the government is taking a submissive stance on North Korea issues, it could become a burden on state administration. At the same time, neglecting the distribution of anti-North leaflets is also a concern.
On the 5th, Jeong Se-hyun, Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, said in an interview with CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "Through handling the issue of anti-North leaflets, I think the government should actively work to ensure that the 20th anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration and the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War pass peacefully and that a new beginning for inter-Korean relations can be made."
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