The Democratic Party Begins 'Speed Adjustment' on Ratifying the Panmunjom Declaration... Confusion in North Korea Policy Direction

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader, are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] The Democratic Party of Korea, which had planned to push for the parliamentary ratification of the 'April 27 Panmunjom Declaration' as a party policy, has begun to 'adjust its pace.' This comes as North Korea's provocations continue and the Blue House has judged that it is currently too risky. However, some senior party members are still making optimistic claims such as forcibly ratifying the Panmunjom Declaration in the National Assembly and resuming tourism to Mount Kumgang, leading to criticism that the party's message on North Korea policy is causing confusion.

According to political circles on the 18th, following North Korea's demolition of the Kaesong Inter-Korean Joint Liaison Office and the resulting heightened tensions between the two Koreas, changes are being detected in the Democratic Party's North Korea policy stance. Democratic Party lawmaker Hong Ik-pyo said on KBS Radio's 'Kim Kyung-rae's Strongest Current Affairs' that when asked by the host whether it would be difficult to push for ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration under the current circumstances, "I think we need to discuss it a bit," adding, "Since there have been various situational changes, I think this issue requires consultation between the party and the government, and among the party, government, and Blue House." This is interpreted as meaning they will adjust the pace rather than push forward recklessly.

Democratic Party spokesperson Song Gap-seok also took a step back with a general stance during a meeting with reporters the previous day, saying, "The Panmunjom Declaration ratification must first be submitted by the government," and "The government side will consider the appropriate timing and situation for submission." Regarding the law banning the distribution of leaflets to North Korea, he expressed a reserved position, saying, "Since individual lawmakers have proposed it, it seems it will proceed through a natural process."

Spokesperson Song indicated a shift in the party leadership's tone, saying, "We have no choice but to tone down. Wouldn't the public see us as idle otherwise?"

This change in stance appears to be in line with the Blue House's shift to a tougher North Korea policy. A senior Blue House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the previous day, "Given the current situation, ratifying the Panmunjom Declaration seems difficult," adding, "There was an overall discussion within the Blue House, and considering the discussions comprehensively, the judgment is that ratification would be difficult."

Public opinion is also not favorable toward ratifying the Panmunjom Declaration. According to a Realmeter survey commissioned by tbs, when asked whether ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration by the National Assembly would help improve inter-Korean relations, 51.6% responded 'disagree,' exceeding half of the respondents, while 39.2% responded 'agree.'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, some senior party lawmakers continue to voice optimistic views on North Korea policy, causing internal confusion. Song Young-gil, chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, said in a radio interview the previous day, "Ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration by the National Assembly is an issue that cannot be abandoned, and the peace and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula is a matter that we must patiently pursue continuously, not something to be swayed by momentary ups and downs." Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Du-kwan went further, advocating for the reopening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex and the resumption of Mount Kumgang tourism. He said, "It doesn't seem like we are at the stage of persuading North Korea with words," adding, "Even if the United States opposes, we should immediately open the Kaesong Industrial Complex and resume Mount Kumgang tourism."

For now, the Democratic Party plans to hold an emergency Foreign Affairs, Security, and Unification Advisory Meeting at the National Assembly in the afternoon to seek party-level response measures. The meeting will be attended by Democratic Party leaders including Representative Lee Hae-chan and Floor Leader Kim Tae-nyeon, as well as foreign and security ministers such as Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo. However, it is reported that the attendance of Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul, who tendered his resignation on the 17th, is uncertain.

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