Assemblyman Taeyongho's Lecture on 'Current Situation in North Korea and Prospects for Inter-Korean Relations' ... at the 5th Changwon Far East Forum

National Assembly member Tae Young-ho is giving a lecture on the current situation in North Korea and the prospects for inter-Korean relations at the '5th Changwon Far East Forum.' Photo by Sanghyun Lee lsh2055@

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Sang-hyun] Changwon Far East Broadcasting held the "5th Changwon Far East Forum" on the 25th.

At the forum, Tae Young-ho, a member of the National Assembly (People Power Party·Gangnam Gap, Seoul), who defected while serving as North Korea's envoy to the UK in 2016, spoke as a lecturer. Born in Pyongyang and a graduate of Pyongyang University of International Relations, he presented the current situation of North Korea and prospects for inter-Korean relations based on his experience working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 8th Bureau and as North Korea's envoy to the UK.

Rep. Tae said, "South Korean culture is rapidly spreading among North Korea's MZ generation, and the communist system will soon collapse," adding, "All citizens must prepare together for unification."

He also argued that the growth of the market economy, a symbol of liberal democracy, will overthrow "North Korean communism" and "North Korea's dictatorship."

Rep. Tae stated, "The jangmadang (markets), which emerged to avoid state control, have rapidly grown over the past 20 years and now account for 70% of North Korea's economy," and added, "North Korea's communist system, which denies private property and governs through communal property, is changing due to the 'market economy.'"

After defecting to the Republic of Korea in August 2016, Rep. Tae became a Christian and has been practicing his faith following the encouragement of Pastor Kim Jang-hwan, whom he met after completing security training in January of the following year.

The Gyeongnam Elders Choir is performing a special hymn ahead of the 5th Changwon Far East Forum. Photo by Sanghyun Lee lsh2055@

Established in 2003, the Far East Forum is an organization that supports Far East Broadcasting's broadcast mission work. It invites experts from various fields to hold forums and other events to shed light on major contemporary issues from a Christian worldview.

Marking its 5th session, the Changwon Far East Forum plans to continue activities that present biblical insights and alternatives through diverse topics.