Variables in Inter-Korean Policy Emerge: 'Change of North Korean Foreign Minister and Harris Risk'

President Moon Jae-in's Role in Inter-Korean Cooperation, Environmental Change Factors... Ruling Party's 'Uncomfortable Sentiment' Over Ambassador Harris's Actions, Trend Toward Restraint

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Kim Dong-pyo] President Moon Jae-in has found himself destined to solve a complex equation regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula from the very beginning of the new year.

External factors, namely North Korea and the United States, have emerged as variables in the Blue House's 'North Korea initiative.' With the appointment of hardliner Ri Son-gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, as the new North Korean Foreign Minister, related agencies are on high alert. The controversy surrounding U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris's remarks aimed at checking the North Korea initiative is also a subject of debate.

The Korean Peninsula issue is characterized by its complexity and sensitivity, requiring the alignment of domestic and international politics, diplomacy, and security puzzles to expect progress. This means that there are numerous hurdles President Moon must overcome for his North Korea initiative to gain momentum.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The government maintains a flexible stance on individual visits to North Korea and the issue of Mount Kumgang tourism. There is talk that a progressive change in inter-Korean relations could occur this year. President Moon stated at the New Year's press conference on the 14th, "I am pursuing (improvement in inter-Korean relations) with an optimistic outlook."

On the 17th, during a briefing from the Blue House Northern Economic Cooperation Committee, President Moon said, "We have encountered an exceptionally good opportunity that may not come again this year." Although the Blue House was reserved about specific details, analyses suggest this relates to a race against time concerning border area cooperation, railway and road connections, and Mount Kumgang tourism as part of the North Korea initiative.

If North Korea does not respond positively, President Moon's initiative is bound to lose momentum. This is why there is keen interest in the background of Ri Son-gwon's appointment as Foreign Minister. Chung Se-hyun, Senior Vice Chairman of the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, viewed it as an extension of a 'direct breakthrough' of North Korea sanctions.

On the 20th, he appeared on tbs Traffic Broadcasting radio program "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory" and said, "The appointment of Ri Son-gwon is like appointing the Minister of Unification as Foreign Minister," adding, "It seems they intend to fully launch the anti-American international unification front."

Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul and Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council Jeong Se-hyun are sharing their opinions at the '1st Anniversary Commemoration of the September 19 Peace Joint Declaration' held last September at the Inter-Korean Summit Headquarters in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 19th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Senior Vice Chairman Chung explained, "There are many countries that have poor relations with the United States," and "They aim to form an international solidarity front to break through U.S. pressure on North Korea and UN sanctions." This could lead to a cold front rather than a warm breeze on the Korean Peninsula.

Furthermore, Ambassador Harris's actions are adding to the Blue House's concerns. It is considered taboo in diplomatic circles for an ambassador to publicly comment on the host country's president's statements. However, at a foreign press briefing on the 16th, Ambassador Harris crossed the line by mentioning the 'possibility of sanctions' regarding the government's inter-Korean cooperation initiative.

A Blue House official criticized, "It is highly inappropriate for the ambassador to publicly comment on the host country's president's remarks in the media." While the Blue House guarded against overinterpretation of the 'inappropriate' remarks, expressing displeasure toward the U.S. ambassador itself is unprecedented. The ruling party's mood is even colder.

Harry Harris, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, is entering the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on November 6 last year. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Democratic Party lawmakers have not hidden their displeasure, using expressions such as 'interference in internal affairs' and 'Chosun Governor-General's Office.' They are suspicious of Ambassador Harris's political intentions, noting his Japanese-American background. Although the U.S. State Department has expressed confidence in Ambassador Harris, the controversy has not easily subsided.

The problem is that the 'uncomfortable relationship' between the ruling party and the U.S. ambassador ultimately becomes a burden for President Moon. Support from both domestic and U.S. sides is essential to empower President Moon's North Korea initiative, but continued discord could only fuel political controversy.

In this regard, Lee Do-hoon, Director-General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who recently visited the U.S., explained, "We reaffirmed the U.S. government's supportive stance on improving inter-Korean relations." This is not unrelated to the government's awareness aimed at quelling concerns about potential conflict. The problem is that the government cannot control Ambassador Harris's words and actions. With numerous pressing national issues, President Moon has taken on the additional challenge of managing the 'Harris risk.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.