[Editorial] Ship Pulled Up, But Still More to Be Pulled Out

The Navy speedboat that sank during the Yellow Sea Engagement is pulled up in 53 days. Now we have a precious proof which can help us rebuild the situation regarding the Engagement. Thus, through a thorough analysis, we should use the ship as an opportunity to beef up our readiness. Our Army also has gained a priceless experience through this mission for which many special equipment and troops were mobilized to pull up the ship laying more than 20m underwater.

It is true that this mission conveys a considerable significance. But it does not mean that everything concerning the Engagement is over. North has not offered a formal apology and held people in charge of this matter accountable. In addition, North has not offered any preventive measures against possible future clashes. Our government has proposed to hold a meeting of military authorities, but North has not given us any response at all.

Under these circumstances, if we just put this matter under the rug, we will not find any meaning out of the sacrifice made by our Navy sailors. It we leave a room for future conflicts, we ourselves are belittling the blood of our dead solders. Our nation has been divided over the response the government has shown to the Engagement. Thus, we will also lose an opportunity to harmonize and heal the divisions.

In fact, North has recently shown us some positive changes. North has not hindered our Navy’s long time operation in the Yellow Sea to pull up the ship. It is also noticeable that, in requesting for the return of the engineer of a ship in which Northern people fled to South, North Korean regime admitted the defection of North residents by referring to the refugees as “people who have gone to South in ship.”

But before the Engagement is wrapped up for good, North should take one more step toward the essence of this matter. It is simple: North’s promise not to provoke any another Yellow Sea Engagement. If North says something in a definitive way, it will gain more support for it among South Koreans. Fortunately, Grand National Party’s presidential candidate Lee Hui-chang announced his North policy by saying, “We will help North Korea with unprecedented support and aids as long as North choose peace.” Lee’s remarks evidence the shared understanding among South Koreans that our supporting North depends on its attitude. The definitive resolution of the Engagement and positive advancement of North and South relations depend all on North.