President Roh Seems to Have Targeted the Neo-Cons

On his official visit to France, President Roh stated on the afternoon of December 5 (local time), “As long as North Korea’s regime change remains an issue, countries reluctant to it– China and Korea – and those who want it cannot work hand-in-hand.”

At the gathering of 350 Korean compatriots held at the Le Grand Hotel InterContinental Paris that day, President Roh said, “North Korea feels more insecure and critical because the U.S. and some Western countries think that the North Korean regime should collapse ultimately. (If concerned countries do not work hand-in-hand) the North Korea nuclear issue will not be resolved.”

In addition, President Roh stressed “Korea’s leading role” once again, saying, “How to work hand-in-hand is our task, and in its decision, Korea should raise the strongest voice. Since even the smallest event in North Korea menaces Korea’s survival itself, if we have to be red in the face with somebody, we have no choice but to do so.”

As the comment seemed to hint at the stand-off between Korea and China and the U.S. regarding the North Korea regime change issue, Cheong Wa Dae’s spokesman Kim Jong-min explained after the gathering, “President Roh’s expressions regarding ‘the U.S. and some Western countries,’ and ‘countries arguing for regime change’ did not designate the governments of those countries, but instead some people in those countries.” President Roh’s remark is interpreted as having targeted the neo-con (neo-conservatives) influence within the U.S.”

Jung-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com