Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, Visits the U.S. Today... Role in Focus

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] It is reported that Park Ji-won, the Director of the National Intelligence Service, will depart on the 26th to visit the United States. Attention is focused on the purpose of the intelligence chief's visit to the U.S. immediately following the South Korea-U.S. summit.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

A senior government official said on the same day, "Director Park will depart on the 26th to visit Washington DC and New York," adding, "Due to the nature of the intelligence chief, it is difficult to disclose the schedule and purpose."

It is expected that Director Park will meet with the White House foreign security line and Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence (DNI), in the U.S. to specifically discuss North Korea policies discussed at the South Korea-U.S. summit.

Previously, Director Haines also visited Korea from the 12th to the 14th, met with President Moon, and shared perceptions on the Korean Peninsula situation with National Security Office Director Suh Hoon and Director Park.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In diplomatic circles, there is a view that since Director Park has expanded his scope by visiting high-ranking officials in the U.S. and Japan, he will play an important role related to the North Korean nuclear issue through this visit to the U.S.

It is suggested that concrete measures to bring North Korea to the dialogue table could be discussed.

However, since no 'carrot' incentives for North Korea were presented at the South Korea-U.S. summit, there is an analysis that the possibility of accepting the 'special envoy card' to North Korea raised by some is low.

Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said, "With the South Korea-U.S. summit and the completion of the Biden administration's review of North Korea policy, conditions for sending a special envoy to North Korea have matured," but added, "Considering the COVID-19 situation and the lack of special incentives, there is a possibility that North Korea will reject the envoy."

Professor Kim Dong-yeop of the University of North Korean Studies said, "Unless the special envoy to North Korea carries a blank check, persuasion will be difficult," and added, "The COVID-19 situation also makes it challenging."

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