[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 17th, Kwon Young-se, Minister of Unification, mentioned regarding the 'Bold Initiative' proposed to North Korea, "As economic measures and denuclearization stages gradually progress, military trust-building can also be achieved to the extent that military exercises are mutually notified and observed." However, he clearly stated that the Bold Initiative cannot include the suspension of South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises.
In an interview on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs' on the same day, Minister Kwon said, "It is not easy to lead North Korea to denuclearization in a short period with only economic incentives, so we must directly address the issue of regime security, which North Korea cites as the reason for nuclear development."
Through his remarks that day, Minister Kwon partially revealed the military and political aspects of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's Bold Initiative. President Yoon, in his Liberation Day speech on the 15th, presented six economic support measures related to the Bold Initiative but did not disclose political or military plans.
Minister Kwon explained, "Each side conducts exercises, but creating a situation where it is mutually understood that the exercises are purely defensive is military trust-building." He added, "Notifying the other party of the timing and type of exercises and saying, 'You create an observation team to come and watch our military exercises. In return, we will go and see how you conduct your military exercises'?these aspects represent significant progress in trust."
However, when asked by the host whether dialogue with the U.S. would be possible if North Korea demands the suspension of South Korea-U.S. joint exercises, he responded, "Even with the Bold Initiative, there are several parts we cannot concede, and among them is the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises." He emphasized, "The joint exercises are purely defensive, and North Korea will also conduct military exercises. Even if trust is established, as long as the military is maintained, exercises must continue."
Regarding the ultimate goal of inter-Korean relations, Minister Kwon explained, "The provisional ultimate goal before unification is to establish a complete peace regime between South and North Korea." Concerning the transition to a peace regime, he mentioned, "There are various measures starting with the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission to guarantee the armistice agreement, but much more content guaranteeing the peace regime can gradually proceed in line with the stages of denuclearization."
Regarding economic support related to the Bold Initiative, he said, "Since the new government took office, there has been a tremendous change in South Korea-U.S. relations." He added, "When President Biden visited Korea, he expressed full support for the specific details of the Bold Initiative, and the U.S. State Department immediately expressed strong support for the proposal of the Bold Initiative."
However, Minister Kwon said there has been no meaningful contact through official channels between North and South Korea. He stated, "There are several official channels, including the so-called liaison office, but the exchanges are at a very basic level." He added, "I hope that dialogue channels will definitely open when the Bold Initiative is concretized and realistically proposed with detailed content." At the same time, he emphasized, "Our role is to persuade North Korea and, if necessary, apply pressure through sanctions."
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