Foreign Media: "North Korea Shooting Incident May Further Strain Inter-Korean Relations"

NYT Points to Moon's Peace Declaration as Occurring "At a Sensitive Time"
US State Department "Condemns North Korean Atrocities, Supports South Korea's Position"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Foreign media reported breaking news that North Korea shot and burned a missing South Korean government official in the West Sea, assessing that the possibility of deterioration in inter-Korean relations is high. The U.S. State Department condemned North Korea and stated full support for South Korea’s call for a complete explanation.

Mugunghwa Train No. 10, on which the public official shot in North Korea was aboard [Image source=Yonhap News]

The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 24th (local time) that "this incident could further worsen inter-Korean relations." The NYT noted, "Inter-Korean communication networks have been cut off since June," adding, "The South Korean government has almost no option to demand an apology or explanation from North Korea." It especially recalled President Moon Jae-in’s mention of a 'Declaration of the End of War' during his virtual keynote speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on the 22nd, evaluating that "this issue occurred at a sensitive time in bilateral relations."

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also specifically introduced casualties caused by inter-Korean clashes such as the 2008 shooting incident involving tourists at Mount Kumgang and the 2010 shelling of Yeonpyeong Island.

Japan generally cited the South Korean government’s announcement and expressed a stance that the possibility of increased military tension is low. NHK broadcast quoted Professor Hiraiwa and Professor Sunji Nanzan, saying, "North Korea had a strong sense of caution against people who might be infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), leading to an excessive response," and "It cannot be said that this will likely affect the international community, including Japan." However, Professor Sunji predicted, "The South Korean government will likely seek dialogue or consultation with North Korea while monitoring public anger over this incident."

The U.S. State Department expressed support for South Korea’s position condemning North Korea’s atrocity. A spokesperson from the State Department said, "We fully support our ally South Korea’s condemnation of this action and its demand for a complete explanation from North Korea." The U.S. non-governmental organization Human Rights Network for North Korea (HRNK) strongly condemned, stating, "No country cruelly takes innocent lives and burns bodies under the pretext of preventing COVID-19." China, which has a blood alliance with North Korea, has yet to issue any particular statement.

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