Song Young-gil Preparing for US Visit: "Improving Inter-Korean Relations is Important"

One of the Top Priorities: Finding a Solution for Kaesong Industrial Complex

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 28th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Cheol-eung] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, plans to visit the United States as early as next month to discuss cooperation measures for the Korean Peninsula peace process. This comes as a green light has been given for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue, with the intention to play a role at the congressional level.

On the 28th, Song appeared on KBS Radio and said, "I am planning to visit the U.S. around August, but the schedule is uncertain due to COVID-19," adding, "The topics to be discussed will likely focus on the follow-up to the Korea-U.S. summit and the improvement of inter-Korean relations." At the Korea-U.S. summit in May, both sides reaffirmed their diplomatic and phased approach to North Korea policy, respecting existing agreements such as the Panmunjom Declaration and the Singapore Joint Statement.

When asked if it would be possible to return to the warm period in 2018 when three summits were held, he replied, "Inter-Korean relations are very sensitive, so rather than rushing emotionally, practical actions must come first to build trust," and added, "We need to agree on and implement feasible steps one by one to build trust." This reflects a cautious approach without getting ahead.

Through Facebook the day before, Song mentioned, "Signs of hope for normalization of diplomatic relations between North Korea and the U.S. are gradually appearing," referring to the "Korean Peninsula Peace Act" proposed by Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. He said, "The number of supporters for the bill has increased to 11 as of July 19. This bill will contribute to the official and binding peace agreement between South and North Korea," and expressed expectations that "it will have a very positive impact internationally on the justification for a Korean War end-of-war declaration, peace treaty, and establishment of diplomatic relations with North Korea."

If Song visits the U.S., he is likely to meet not only with members of the U.S. Congress but also with administration officials. A Democratic Party official said, "When the leader of South Korea's ruling party visits the U.S., there is an opportunity to talk with the administration as well, and before setting the timing of the visit, it is necessary to explore who and to what extent discussions can be held."

At the end of last year, Song visited the U.S. as chairman of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee and head of the Democratic Party's Korean Peninsula Task Force (TF), meeting with Kurt Campbell, former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs who was in charge of foreign policy at the Biden campaign, among other peace-related activities on the Korean Peninsula.

One of the top priorities is a solution for the Kaesong Industrial Complex. In a meeting with Kaesong Industrial Complex businessmen in June, Song mentioned, "We hope to persuade the Biden administration well and build consensus with the North so that a new breakthrough can be made within the Moon Jae-in administration's term," regarding the Kaesong Industrial Complex, which has been closed for five years.

The Democratic Party is preparing to launch a special committee on Korean Peninsula peace within the party, with Song himself serving as chairman. He previously chaired the National Assembly's Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Special Committee in 2018 and was active in the Inter-Korean High-Speed Rail Special Committee earlier this year.