[Editorial] North Should Return South Koreans Kidnapped

A couple of days ago, North Korean leader Kim Jung Il acknowledged their kidnapping of Japanese, revealing some aspects of the irrational behavior of the North Korean regime. According to his statement, the kidnapping was committed by a special investigative agency of North Korea. It implies that North Korea is a big organized crime syndicate, which is capable of kidnapping citizens of other countries for the purpose of invading South and learning foreign languages.

It’s better late than never that North acknowledged their misconduct and promised it would not commit the same again. Eventually, that will help the relations between North and Japan. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Korea even issued a statement that the North would allow the kidnapped Japanese to return to Japan if they want. Thus, it is highly possible for them to return to their home. But looking at the smooth proceedings for Japanese returning, we feel just down. Considering the agony and hardship we have gone through, what Japanese have gone through is not comparable at all to ours.

If Kim Jung Il really regretted and apologized for what the North has committed, Kim should acknowledge the harms North has caused to us. If North treats South and Japan differently handling the same inhumane matters, we cannot help doubt the real intention of North. North should hold accountable those responsible for those terrorist attacks, such as explosion of KAL 858, it has committed, and promise for the prevention of those crimes. It should also surrender to our demand for confirmation of the information about the 487 South Koreans abducted and should promptly return those who are still alive.

We should also look back on ourselves. The North-Japan summit was not moving at all, but it has reaped a lot. Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi unprecedentedly got rid of all the ceremonial matters and got straight down to the negotiations, using direct communication. He, regarding the kidnapped Japanese, pushed Kim up against the wall and strongly requested, “We strongly protest to North. It is a regrettable matter. We demand that North should take necessary measures to prevent any future event of this nature.”

We are wondering whether President Kim Dae Jung has ever tried the approach Prime Minister Koizumi adopted this time. President Kim might have forgotten about important things, paying great attention to matters concerning protocol and having good time at the reception drinking and singing. Our government should show and prove their sincerity in resolving the matters related to our kidnapped people by engaging actively.