[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Military Agreement Implementation Between South and North Korea Also Hindered by COVID-19

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] The military authorities are facing difficulties in implementing the September 19 military agreement due to the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia). Although there are many tasks that South and North Korea need to carry out in the frontline areas, both sides are hesitant to proceed because of the coronavirus.

On the afternoon of the 21st of last month, the Ministry of National Defense held a presidential briefing at Gyeryongdae, where the command headquarters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are located, under the theme "Definite Change, Republic of Korea 2020! Strong Security, Responsible Veterans Affairs." It was decided to begin excavation of remains within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), including the Arrowhead Hill area, starting in April.

The problem lies in North Korea's response. North Korea experienced massive damage last year due to African swine fever transmitted from China. Because of this, the North Korean authorities consider the influx of the coronavirus as a "threat to the survival of the nation" and may avoid contact with our government altogether.

The Ministry of National Defense conducted excavation work around the Arrowhead Hill area through the implementation of the September 19 military agreement last year. Although the South notified the North of the formation of a joint excavation team, there was no response from the North, so the South proceeded unilaterally with mine removal and excavation work south of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Over eight months of work, they successfully excavated 261 remains and approximately 67,000 relics.

The formation of the Inter-Korean Military Joint Commission also faces a long road ahead. The Ministry of National Defense plans to finalize the agreement on the formation and operation of the Inter-Korean Military Joint Commission through consultations with the North and to promote regular meetings. The September 19 military agreement defines five major topics for discussion by the Inter-Korean Military Joint Commission: △ large-scale military exercises and force augmentation aimed at the other side △ various forms of blockade, obstruction, and navigation interference △ cessation of reconnaissance activities against the other side △ use of direct routes by North Korean vessels to Haeju and passage through the Jeju Strait △ establishment of boundaries for the West Sea Peace Zone and joint fishing areas.

Additionally, progress on inter-Korean consultations for the withdrawal of Guard Posts (GPs) within the DMZ may be lacking. The withdrawal of GPs within the DMZ is being considered with the principle of proportionality, reviewing phased withdrawal plans by eastern, central, and western regions. Under the September 19 military agreement, South and North Korea agreed to pilot the removal of 11 GPs, of which 10 have been dismantled. In 2018, both Koreas verified the destruction sites of GPs side by side, and soldiers shook hands on the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), creating a "warm" scene. However, after the collapse of the second North Korea-U.S. summit in Hanoi last year, relations between North Korea and the U.S. rapidly deteriorated, and naturally, the remaining GP removals became "left unresolved." Currently, it is reported that about 60 South Korean and 150 North Korean GPs remain within the DMZ. Further GP removals will likely require prior consultation with North Korea.

Earlier, President Moon Jae-in's vision for the DMZ as an international peace zone, emphasized in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September, also appears uncertain. At that time, President Moon expressed his intention to designate a peace cooperation zone connecting Panmunjom and Kaesong and to attract UN agencies and peace, ecological, and cultural organizations within the DMZ. The international peace zone plan centers on attracting UN agencies and peace, ecological, and cultural organizations to the DMZ, as well as cooperation with the UN Mine Action Service for the removal of mines in the DMZ.

The Peace Road, a 500-kilometer walking trail passing through 10 local governments near the DMZ border area, was partially opened last year but is expected to be suspended for the time being due to African swine fever and the coronavirus. Since April last year, three sections?Goseong, Cheorwon, and Paju?have been opened, with a total of about 14,000 domestic visitors.

Other pending issues include the implementation of joint South-North military duties within the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom, free movement of tourists and observers between South and North Korea, and military guarantees for joint use of the Han River estuary, but these require North Korea's cooperation, making the actual holding of meetings uncertain.

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