Moon "The Remaining One Year, the Last Chance to Achieve Irreversible Peace"

Diplomacy Experts' Evaluations Diverge Over Four Years

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in, in a special speech marking the 4th anniversary of his inauguration, stated, "The remaining one year is the last chance to achieve irreversible peace," pledging to devote all efforts to restarting the Korean Peninsula peace process. He also mentioned the Biden administration's new North Korea policy and called for North Korea's response.

In his special speech on the 10th marking his 4th anniversary, President Moon said, "The long period of deliberation is now coming to an end. It is time to take action." He welcomed the Biden administration's establishment of its North Korea policy, saying, "The Biden administration has completed its review of the North Korea policy in close consultation with us," and emphasized, "Through the South Korea-U.S. summit, we will coordinate the North Korea policy more closely to restore dialogue among South and North Korea, and the U.S. and North Korea, and find a path to take steps forward in peace cooperation." President Moon also said, "I will not be rushed or impatient during the remaining term," but added, "If an opportunity arises to turn back the clock of peace and advance the Korean Peninsula peace process, I will devote all my efforts," calling for North Korea's response.

President Moon also asked the public to cooperate in creating an atmosphere conducive to inter-Korean dialogue. Regarding the controversy over ‘anti-North Korea leaflets,’ he stated, "It is never desirable to pour cold water on inter-Korean relations by violating inter-Korean agreements and current laws," and emphasized, "The government cannot avoid strict law enforcement."

However, experts have mixed evaluations of President Moon’s diplomatic and security achievements over the past four years. While his efforts based on the Korean Peninsula peace process concept contributed to easing tensions on the peninsula, it is regrettable that he failed to achieve clear results in South Korea’s relations with the U.S., Japan, and China due to his focus on inter-Korean relations. Professor Hwang Jae-ho of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies commented, "Despite President Moon’s all-in approach to improving inter-Korean relations, relations between the two Koreas worsened after the ‘Hanoi No Deal,’" adding, "There was room to approach the issue more proactively, so this is a regrettable aspect."