DLP Delegation Arrives in Pyongyang

While the “386 espionage scandal” has sent a shockwave in South Korea, the minority opposition Democratic Labor Party (DLP) delegation to North Korea arrived in Pyongyang via Beijing on October 31.

DLP chairman Moon Seong-hyeon issued a statement upon their arrival at Soonan Airport in Pyongyang, “We have come here via the third country China to see our coercively-separated families by foreign powers in the other half of our motherland. But I feel overwhelmed with joy and excitement to be here in Pyongyang,” said DLP spokesperson, Chung Ho-jin.

Moon stated that “the nuclear tests launched by North Korea triggered mounting tensions and intensified confrontations, which weigh heavily upon us,” adding, “We will extend our reciprocal understanding between the South Korean Democratic Labor Party and North Korean Chosun Social Democratic Party here in Pyongyang during our five-day visit through profound talks regarding brotherhood, exchange of goodwill, peace on Korean peninsula, and the implementation of the historic July 15 summit talks.”

“The U.S. and Japan continue watching for the opportunity to wage war on the Korean peninsula at any time, if necessary, for the sake of their hegemony,” he added.

The 13-member delegation attended a reception diner held by the North Korean Chosun Social Democratic Party on that day. On November 1 and 2, they are set to make a tour of Shincheon Museum, which shows an exhibition on the massacre of innocent people by the U.S forces, joint baking factory established by North and South, Kim Il Sung University, and some collective farms.

On November 3 and 4, they are scheduled to meet with North Korean senior officials. Prior to their visit, DLP asked Pyongyang to hold talks with its key figures, which draws attention on whether they will be able to meet with the head of the North, Kim Jong Il and Kim Young Nam, chairman of North Presidium of Supreme People’s Assembly.

South Korean reporters could not accompany the DLP delegations to the North because Pyongyang had given previous notice to refuse the press groups’ visit.

Thirteen DLP members comprised the delegation to North Korea, including DLP chairman Moon Seong-hyeon, Kwon Young-ghil, DLP lawmaker and head of the delegation, DLP Reps. Roh Hoe-chan, and DLP spokesman Park Yong-jin.

mhpark@donga.com