[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] As North Korea declared its non-participation in the Tokyo Olympics, threatening the South Korean government's 'Korean Peninsula Peace Process' aimed at bringing North Korea to the dialogue table, the government has expressed its willingness to persuade North Korea. With little time left until the opening of the Tokyo Olympics, attention is focused on whether North Korea can be drawn into the realm of peace through dialogue.
On the afternoon of the 8th, the Blue House held a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) Standing Committee and announced the outcome, stating, "We have decided to continue diplomatic efforts to ensure that the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled for July, can be held as an Olympics of peace."
Until now, the government has been focused on using the Tokyo Olympics as an opportunity for peace on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean reconciliation by encouraging North Korea's participation. Although North Korea has declared its non-participation, this is interpreted as an intention to induce North Korea's participation through 'diplomatic efforts.'
This trend is also evident within government ministries. Choi Young-sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a recent regular briefing, "There is still time ahead, and we hope North Korea will participate," adding, "We are closely monitoring all relevant matters." With about three months remaining until the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July, this expresses hope that North Korea's position may change during this period.
The Ministry of Unification also expressed regret, saying, "We feel disappointed," but added, "We will continue efforts to find opportunities in various fields such as sports," leaving room for persuasion.
Inter-Korean sports exchanges could serve as a key to thawing frozen inter-Korean relations caused by COVID-19 and international sanctions, making North Korea's participation in this year's Tokyo Olympics one of the important tasks for the South Korean government, which is pushing to resume the Korean Peninsula peace process.
Experts analyze that North Korea's decision not to participate remains at an internal level and that since it has not yet officially notified the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of its non-participation, there is still a possibility of reversal.
Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said, "Although North Korea has announced its decision not to participate, it has not yet officially notified the IOC or Japan," adding, "If we persuade them to participate, North Korea may not immediately reverse its decision, but it will take South Korea's message seriously."
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