Seoul: South Korea’s Unification Minister, Kim Yung-ho, emphasized the moral imperative of Korean Peninsula unification during a lecture in Washington, highlighting the contrasting stance of North Korea, which regards South Korea as a “hostile” state. The minister’s remarks come at a time when North Korea has recently updated its constitution to solidify its adversarial view of the South.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Minister Kim delivered his statement at the George Washington University’s Institute for Korean Studies. He addressed the complexities and controversies surrounding the unification issue, asserting that for Koreans, unification transcends mere economic calculations and enters the realm of moral duty. “It is true that there are controversies surrounding the issue of unification, but what I want to tell you is that for Koreans, unification is a moral obligation,” he stated.
Kim’s comments were part of a response to a survey indicating a significant portion of young Koreans see no need for un
ification. He argued that despite North Korea’s anti-unification stance, South Korea remains committed to pursuing a “free and peaceful” unification. This commitment aligns with the principles of freedom, peace, and prosperity outlined in a doctrine announced by President Yoon Suk Yeol in August.
The minister highlighted that while some aspects of the unification plan require dialogue with North Korea, others can be advanced independently by the South Korean government. “While seeking dialogue with the North continuously, the (Seoul) government will take every step that we can to lay the groundwork for unification,” Kim explained.
Furthermore, Kim clarified that South Korea does not aim to achieve unification by absorbing the North, but through the establishment of a free and prosperous South Korea, which he believes poses a threat to the North Korean regime. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing human rights in North Korea, countering the view that this effort could hinder inter-Korean dialogue.
“The ultimate goal of unification is to ensure that all on the Korean Peninsula enjoy freedom, human rights, and prosperity,” he added. The enhancement of human rights, according to Kim, should be a priority in cross-border relations.
Minister Kim’s visit to Washington also included trilateral talks with officials from the United States and Japan, among other engagements.