[Editorial] Diplomacy Woes Between North and South Korea

Three years ago on June 15, 2002, the leaders of the two Koreas met face to face. But it does not give us much joy. It`s not that the joy and happiness we felt three year ago has gone away. We are just wondering what have we done and achieved during the past three-year period. Asking ourselves that question, we are embarrassed.

First of all, despite all the brotherly gestures from North Korea at the summit, the isolated regime has done nothing to change its fundamental position. We feel betrayed. We also suspect whether a series of actions taken by the regime in Pyongyang were really well intended at all. On the other hand, South Korea is suffering from a serious ideological illness stemming from its radical change of view on North Korea. South Koreans began to draw lines among themselves and confront each other. The confrontation has escalated considerably since the summit talks. The difference in viewpoints explains the situation.

Confusion has caused mistrust among the internal community members, and is threatening our national security. The Kim Jong Il regime has been talking about peace on the surface. But behind our backs, it`s been developing nuclear weapons. As a result, the isolated regime has isolated itself more. Likewise, the Kim Dae Jung administration and the Roh administration have been busy catering to the regime. Now, South Korea has been put on the sideline in resolving the nuclear crisis. In the middle of this turmoil, it became known that Kim Dae Jung secretly wired a huge amount of money to the Kim Jong Il regime prior to the summit. Thus, South Koreans are now beginning to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the summit itself.

Before someone says anything about the ongoing investigation by Independent Counsel Song into the secret checkbook diplomacy, he or she has to understand the facts. The investigation is not for penalizing national harmony between the two Koreas. Some Millennium Democrats are totally off the mark in this respect. It is a process through which we can wipe away all doubt and clouds hanging over the suspicious summit. The Democrats should act more prudently and refrain from committing any act that could influence the ongoing investigation.

Also absurd is their allegation that Kim Dae Jung is immune from judicial review. This is wrong. Chief of Staff Moon Hee-sang publicly alleged that Kim should not be prosecuted. Moreover, the Millennium Democratic Party opposes elongation of the investigation period. Their statements obviously constitute political pressure on the Counsel. The Independent Counsel has the sole authority to investigate the matter and prosecute those responsible. Likewise, it is only the court that can render judgment whether those responsible for the checkbook diplomacy be granted immunity. Only a thorough investigation can put an end to this war of contrition that has been waging for the past three years. That way, people may be able to compensate for any lost feelings they may have felt.