Kim Yo-jong, Park Ji-won on Military Action Warning: "Must Meet Inter-Korean Envoys Even in Protective Suits"

Kim Yo-jong "Hostile actions will be handed over to the military"
"President Moon should meet Trump immediately after the inter-Korean summit"

Former lawmaker Park Ji-won of the Minsheng Party. / Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] Former Minsheng Party lawmaker Park Jiwon urged on the 15th, regarding the heightened inter-Korean relations following a statement by Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, "(Although) there is no contact with North Korea, we must officially meet special envoys through diplomatic channels even if we have to wear protective suits."

In an interview with KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' on the same day, former lawmaker Park said, "We should meet for an inter-Korean summit and immediately afterward, President Moon Jae-in should also hold a South Korea-US summit."

He added, "With the novel coronavirus infection, the economy, and the US-China conflict all acting very adversely, President Trump's path to re-election is actually gradually becoming more distant," and said, "So as a shock therapy, somehow the three leaders should meet, and if we say that North Korea will dismantle several nuclear facilities including Yongbyon plus alpha, then lift economic sanctions and provide economic support, maybe (the North) will respond. This is an unimaginable method."

Regarding the current situation, he analyzed, "North Korean officials are daily criticizing South Korea and threatening military actions," and said, "Our government is responding calmly and well, but there is nothing more to do."

He continued, "During the lost 10 years of inter-Korean relations under Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, we continuously made contacts to completely reset the situation, held three inter-Korean summits including the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration, and also led two North Korea-US summits, the greatest events of the 21st century."

Addressing the opposition party advocating a hardline stance toward North Korea, he pointed out, "We must not stand by like this," and said, "Now is the time to cooperate, soothe North Korea, and uphold our principles. If you just criticize (the government) unconditionally, will the public accept it?"

Meanwhile, North Korea, angered by the distribution of leaflets to the North by defectors' groups, mentioned the closure of the inter-Korean joint liaison office and military measures in a statement by Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, on the 13th, saying, "It seems the time has come to decisively sever ties with South Korean elements."

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