Kim Bu-gyeom: "The Vicious Cycle of Force is the Nation's Misfortune... President Moon Must Meet North Korea's Kim Jong-un"

"Deep Regret Over the Destruction of the Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office... South and North Must Engage in Dialogue"

Kim Boo-kyum, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] Former Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Boo-kyum emphasized the need for inter-Korean dialogue, saying, "The more complicated the situation becomes, the more President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong-un need to meet," in response to North Korea's demolition of the Kaesong Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office.

On the 17th, Kim posted on his Facebook, expressing "deep regret over North Korea's destruction of the Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office."

He also stated, "I support the NSC's 'strong response' stance announced yesterday. The unilateral act of destruction, leaving no room for dialogue, betrays the trust built through the three summits between President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong-un," criticizing the action.

The previous day, the Blue House held a National Security Council (NSC) meeting chaired by National Security Advisor Chung Eui-yong, expressing strong regret over North Korea's unilateral demolition of the liaison office established under the Panmunjom Declaration.

Kim expressed deep concern that "this will not end here. If North Korea directly attacks those who distribute leaflets to the North, our military cannot refrain from responding," adding, "The vicious cycle of force is a tragedy for the nation. A situation like the Yeonpyeong Island shelling must not occur. If the South and North point guns at each other again, no one will be anything but a sinner before the nation."

He further stated, "Above all, if armed conflict breaks out between the South and North, the trust painstakingly built so far will be completely shattered, and it will result in turning the entire South Korean population into enemies," urging, "The leaflet distribution to the North must be stopped immediately. The United Future Party must also recognize the seriousness of the situation and speak with one voice."

Kim emphasized, "The more complicated the situation becomes, the more President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong-un need to meet. The 70th anniversary of the Korean War is approaching. The only ones who can turn the harsh winds of crisis blowing again on the Korean Peninsula into a warm breeze toward the nation's great leap forward are the two of them," referring to the 'Dobodari Meeting' between the two Koreas' leaders in 2018.

He also addressed Chairman Kim, saying, "Cease all military actions and provocative measures. Any action that raises tensions now can be a fuse for armed conflict. It must be resolved through dialogue," adding, "The South and North have climbed the 'ladder of peace' with difficulty. Even if we step down one or two rungs temporarily, we must not kick the ladder away."

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