Hong Hyun-ik on North Korea's aggressive warning: "Due to Baekdu bloodline regime's survival anxiety... a firm message is needed"

Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Hong Hyun-ik, Senior Research Fellow at the Sejong Institute, recently analyzed North Korea's hardline stance on inter-Korean relations, including its announcement to dismantle the inter-Korean joint liaison office and mention of military provocations, as stemming from a "sense of crisis in maintaining the Baekdu bloodline regime."

On the 15th, Dr. Hong appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Judging from the specifics mentioned by Vice Director Kim Yo-jong, it seems certain that some form of action will be taken," adding, "Although the North Korean authorities have made a strategic decision to change direction like this, the outcome is likely to be quite unfavorable to them."

He interpreted, "I don't know if (Kim Jong-un's older brother) Kim Jong-chol was present, but it seems that at the Kim family meeting attended by Kim Kyong-hui as well, the conclusion was reached that 'the Baekdu bloodline is in a very desperate crisis to maintain the regime' and 'we have encountered a dead end.'"

He continued, "Currently, the (North Korean) economic situation has worsened, they have hardly enjoyed any benefits from agreements with South Korea, the South Korean government is only watching the U.S., and President Trump has not lifted sanctions but rather strengthened them one by one," adding, "In any case, the North Korean people are likely to think that Chairman Kim is responsible (for this situation)."

He further explained, "Since the people might hold the Chairman accountable, they seem to have judged that they must urgently scapegoat the South Korean government to avoid responsibility," and added, "Let's wait a little longer before confronting the U.S. head-on. It seems they have made this kind of decision and are proceeding step by step according to that plan."

Regarding North Korea's announcement of a hardline approach, Dr. Hong emphasized, "While clearly sending a message to maintain the spirit of reconciliation and cooperation, (President Moon Jae-in) must also send a message that if actions harmful to us that seriously damage the situation on the Korean Peninsula occur, they will be dealt with firmly."

He added, "Otherwise, they might misjudge. As the head of state of the Republic of Korea, national security must come first, followed by government policy aimed at reconciliation and cooperation," and said, "If they harm us, I hope it is clearly stated that we will respond firmly and that the damage to them will be greater."

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