Opposition Party on Restoration of Inter-Korean Communication Line: "Hope It's Not a 'Show'... Please Show Genuine Commitment"

On the morning of the 27th, when the inter-Korean communication hotline was restored, the Unification Ministry's liaison representative was speaking with the North side via the inter-Korean direct phone installed at the Seoul Inter-Korean Liaison Office. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] On the 27th, figures from the People Power Party expressed their hope that the restoration of the inter-Korean communication line would not be just a 'show.'

On the 27th, Kwon Seong-dong, a member of the People Power Party, stated in a Facebook comment, "With the presidential election coming up next year, I cannot shake off the suspicion that this is yet another 'show' to use inter-Korean relations for domestic politics, a transparent act."

In particular, Kwon criticized the government by referring to the incident last year in the West Sea where a Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official was killed by North Korean soldiers. He said, "If the Moon Jae-in administration truly has sincerity in improving inter-Korean relations starting with the restoration of the inter-Korean communication line, it should show an attitude of admitting what was wrong," adding, "I do not expect them to speak firmly to North Korea. At the very least, they should apologize to our citizens who feel wronged and to the bereaved family of the slain official, and actively demonstrate efforts to uncover the truth of the incident."

Former Board of Audit and Inspection Chairman Choi Jae-hyung also said, "We must not get carried away as if peace on the Korean Peninsula is just around the corner because of this event, but calmly manage the situation and move toward genuine peace," adding, "I sincerely hope that this inter-Korean issue does not remain a one-time show for domestic political purposes."

Park Jin, known within the party as a 'diplomatic expert,' also stated on Facebook, "The restoration of the inter-Korean communication line should be the starting point for substantial and meaningful inter-Korean dialogue."

Park continued, "It is very regrettable that North Korea has not expressed its position regarding the unilateral disconnection of the communication line over the issue of leaflet distribution, which is a freedom of expression guaranteed to all citizens of the Republic of Korea," and pointed out, "So far, North Korea has never shown a sincere apology or responsible attitude for provocations and wrongdoings threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula, such as the destruction of the Kaesong Industrial Complex inter-Korean joint liaison office and the shooting death of the missing official. The Moon Jae-in administration also never properly demanded an apology from North Korea."

He then warned, "If the Moon Jae-in administration continues its one-sided courting of North Korea and uses inter-Korean relations for domestic political purposes, it should keep in mind that not only the restoration of trust between the two Koreas but also peace on the Korean Peninsula will remain distant."