President Moon Chooses Indirect Speech for Armed Forces Day Message on 'Civil Servant Killed by North Korea' Incident

"Resolute Response to Acts Threatening National Life Safety Without Direct Mention"... Political Strategy to Prevent Deterioration of Inter-Korean Relations Situation

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "I promise the people that we will respond firmly to any acts that threaten the lives and safety of our citizens." This part of the message from President Moon Jae-in, who participated in the '72nd Armed Forces Day' commemorative ceremony, stands out.

There was no direct mention of the incident in which North Korean soldiers shot a missing South Korean government official and mutilated the body. Instead, the message was conveyed through an 'indirect expression' promising a firm response to any acts threatening the lives of the people.

The shooting of a South Korean civilian by North Korean soldiers is a key issue attracting attention not only from the Blue House but also from the political circles. Since the event was broadcast live through K-TV and other channels, there was keen interest in what message President Moon would deliver.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Although a message from President Moon expressing "deep regret over the shocking incident" was conveyed through Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok, there was no direct mention. Ultimately, President Moon refrained from direct reference. The firm response to acts threatening the lives and safety of citizens is a statement the president can make regardless of this incident.

Experts analyze that President Moon's Armed Forces Day message carries the character of managing the situation regarding risks on the Korean Peninsula. Professor Lee Jun-han of the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Incheon National University said about the absence of direct mention, "It is to avoid making it a contentious issue. The priority is to prevent deterioration of inter-Korean relations."

If President Moon had directly addressed this incident and delivered a strong message, it might have gained domestic public support, but the situation on the Korean Peninsula could have escalated into a catastrophe. However, the cautious attitude could also be a factor that amplifies political risks. This is because there is bound to be criticism that the national anger over North Korea’s atrocities was not reflected in the situation awareness.

The opposition party has targeted the Blue House’s response to this incident, especially President Moon directly. They criticize that although our citizens were shot by North Korean soldiers and their bodies mutilated, the president and the Blue House seem to perceive the situation too complacently.

It is also noteworthy that this issue is not something that will easily subside. After the 2008 incident where Park Wang-ja, a tourist at Mount Kumgang, was killed by North Korean soldiers, inter-Korean relations were brought to the brink of collapse. The repetition of the 2008 situation is the scenario President Moon most wants to avoid.

Considering the remainder of President Moon’s term, the peace process on the Korean Peninsula could effectively lose momentum and drift without progress.