People Party "Expresses Both Welcome and Concern Over the Restoration of Inter-Korean Communication Line"

On January 3, 2018, a South Korean liaison officer is seen checking the inter-Korean direct telephone line to communicate with the North at the Joint Security Area liaison office in Panmunjom. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kum Boryeong] Regarding the restoration of the inter-Korean communication line, the People’s Party expressed both 'welcome' and 'concern' toward the government.

On the 27th, Hong Kyung-hee, the senior deputy spokesperson of the People’s Party, stated in a commentary, "We express both welcome and concern regarding the resumption of the inter-Korean communication line," adding, "This restoration should not become a result of our one-sided courtship toward North Korea."

Hong said, "Since the communication line between the South and North was established in 1971, there have been as many as 15 restorations and disconnections, including six full shutdowns. It cannot be denied that the history of disconnection and restoration of the communication line has been synchronized with the ups and downs of inter-Korean relations," and pointed out, "North Korea has used the communication line as an effective card to pressure the South. It is very regrettable that the communication line, meant for communication between the South and North, has been reduced to a hostage to enforce North Korea’s demands."

Hong continued, "We hope the government will use this restoration of the communication line as an opportunity to demand a progressive change in attitude from the North," emphasizing, "In particular, a sincere apology and prevention of recurrence regarding the killing of South Korean officials in the West Sea last year must be a prerequisite for the restoration of the communication line."

Hong also stated, "We hope that this restoration of the communication line will not be the result of one-sided appeasement of North Korea but a genuine resumption of dialogue with open hearts for peace on the Korean Peninsula."

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