Moon Jung-in "North Korea Feels Existential Threat... May Take Military Action"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Moon Jung-in, Special Advisor to the President on Unification, Foreign Affairs, and Security, stated on the 15th regarding North Korea's increasing level of criticism toward South Korea, "North Korea feels an existential threat and is attempting a full-scale breakthrough to change the game," adding, "Since North Korea may take military action, we must maintain a strong defense posture."

Special Advisor Moon made these remarks while attending a discussion at the National Assembly Members' Office Building during the '20th Anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration Democratic Party Commemorative Event.'

He expressed concern, saying, "If we are unable to preemptively control the issue of (anti-North) leaflets, North Korea may take military action against those distributing the leaflets," and added, "As Kim Yo-jong mentioned, they will likely destroy the Kaesong liaison office and Mount Kumgang, possibly by blowing them up, to erase their presence."

He continued, "North Korea seems to believe that we are siding with the U.S.'s duplicity. Therefore, they think that only by pushing things to the limit can both South Korea and the U.S. change," and said, "Just as the late President Kim Dae-jung issued instructions during the West Sea clash to prevent escalation, a wise and resolute stance is necessary."

He further emphasized, "This is not about tactical moves or negotiating to gain something; we must accept North Korea as it is and prepare countermeasures," adding, "There is still hope because the trust built between President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong-un remains. President Moon must take active steps, and the Democratic Party, as the ruling party, must strongly support these efforts."

At the same discussion, Chung Se-hyun, Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, analyzed the current inter-Korean situation, stating, "North Korea is in a situation where it cannot achieve the results of its five-year national economic development plan, and the 'leaflets' containing expressions that insult the supreme dignity, Chairman Kim, have been a trigger this time," describing it as "like being slapped when you want to cry."

Senior Vice Chairman Chung said, "As Kim Yo-jong rises to the position of second-in-command, how the (anti-North) leaflet issue is overcome could either solidify or topple her position, making this an extremely critical situation, which explains the intense reaction," and argued, "Before the liaison office is blown up, a clear message regarding the anti-North leaflet prohibition law must be sent to North Korea."

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