South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol proposed establishing a working-level consultative body with North Korea on Thursday to address tensions and explore avenues for economic cooperation, as he outlined his vision for Korean unification. In his National Liberation Day speech, commemorating the 79th anniversary of independence from Japanese colonial rule, Yoon expressed readiness to initiate political and economic collaboration if North Korea makes a step towards denuclearization.
Yoon used the speech to present a new plan for unification and to extend a fresh offer to Pyongyang, following the recent rejection of South Korea’s proposal to send relief supplies for flood damage in the North. Despite these overtures, the prospect of unification remains remote for many, given the current state of relations. North Korea has intensified its nuclear and missile programs and has increasingly isolated itself from the South, referring to South Korea as a “hostile enemy state.”
Earlier this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dismissed the possibility of unification, labeling South Korea as a “primary foe.” Yoon’s proposal for an “inter-Korean working group” aims to alleviate tensions and address various issues including economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and family reunions separated by the Korean War.
Yoon emphasized that political and economic cooperation could commence as soon as North Korea takes a step toward denuclearization, believing that dialogue and cooperation could significantly advance inter-Korean relations.
The speech also highlighted internal challenges, including a controversy over Yoon’s appointment of a former professor with pro-Japan views to oversee a national independence museum. This appointment has led to political polarization, with major independence movement groups holding a separate ceremony in protest.
Additionally, Yoon proposed the creation of an international conference on North Korean human rights, a fund to raise global awareness, and support for activist groups. He stressed the importance of exposing North Koreans to the values of freedom and hoped that a unified Korea based on freedom would eventually be embraced by the people of the North.