"Pragmatic Proposal" vs. "Aligned with North Korean Demands"... Ruling and Opposition Parties Split on Lee's 'END' Initiative

Ruling Party: "Demonstrates Pragmatic Diplomacy Centered on National Interest"
Opposition: "Effectively a Push for an End-of-War Declaration"

The ruling and opposition parties have expressed contrasting views on President Lee Jaemyung's 'END (Exchange·Normalization·Denuclearization) Initiative,' which he proposed as a new framework for the Korean Peninsula peace process.

On September 24, Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on President Lee's keynote speech at the United Nations during the party's Supreme Council meeting, stating, "He demonstrated to the world the resilience of Korean democracy that overcame the 12·3 Martial Law," and added, "The END Initiative shows our commitment and responsibility to end the Cold War on the Korean Peninsula and contribute to world peace."

On September 23 (local time), President Lee addressed the 80th United Nations General Assembly, saying, "Through comprehensive dialogue centered on Exchange, Normalization, and Denuclearization-namely, 'END'-we must put an end (END) to the era of hostility and confrontation on the Korean Peninsula and usher in a new era of 'peaceful coexistence and shared growth.'"

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Some analysts have noted that this is a bold and pragmatic proposal, given the current difficulties in achieving North Korea's denuclearization. Hong Giwon, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, said on MBC Radio that "whereas in the past, normalization of relations was discussed on the premise of North Korea's denuclearization, now the approach has shifted to proposing dialogue as long as North Korea does not further advance its nuclear or missile capabilities."

He also expressed optimism about the possibility of North Korea engaging in dialogue. Assemblyman Hong emphasized, "By mentioning that a meeting with U.S. President Trump could happen if only the obsession with denuclearization is set aside, it shows that North Korea is leaving the door open for talks with the United States," and stressed, "It is important to secure a common understanding through extensive prior dialogue and mutual recognition."

Kim Gun, secretary of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee from the People Power Party, stated on MBC Radio, "It was reaffirmed that there has been no change in our position regarding North Korea's nuclear issue," but pointed out as a shortcoming the apparent lack of coordination with the United States. He said, "When the previous 'Bold Initiative' roadmap for North Korea was formulated, it was done in consultation with the United States, and U.S. support was expressed after the announcement," urging, "We must address this issue with a shared understanding with the United States."

The need to prepare for the possibility of provocations by North Korea was also raised. Assemblyman Kim argued, "The path to dialogue with North Korea has always passed through cycles of provocation," and insisted, "We must anticipate this possibility and consult in advance not only with the United States but also with the international community on how to respond."

There were also direct criticisms of the END Initiative, describing it as essentially a 'push for an end-of-war declaration.' Assemblyman Ahn Cheolsoo of the People Power Party wrote on social media, "Placing denuclearization last is in effect an attempt to pursue an end-of-war declaration before denuclearization," and pointed out, "If exchange and normalization are pursued first, while accepting North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons as a given, it will ultimately lead to the entrenchment of division and make unification impossible."

Assemblyman Ahn further warned, "The bigger problem is that this initiative exactly matches the demands of North Korea's Kim Jong Un," and added, "The 'END' President Lee refers to may not be the beginning of peace, but rather the end of unification."

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