Quotes of the Day:
ARTICLE IV
Recommendations to the Governments Concerned on Both Sides
60. In order to insure the peaceful settlement of the Korean question, the military Commanders of both sides hereby recommend to the governments of the countries concerned on both sides that, within three (3) months after the Armistice Agreement is signed and becomes effective, a political conference of a higher level of both sides be held by representatives appointed respectively to settle through negotiation the questions of the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Korea, the peaceful settlement of the Korean question, etc.
-1953 Korean War Armistice Agreement
"Our soldiers fought in the Korean War to push back communism. As a result of their effort and the effort of our allies, South Korea is free today."
- Pierre Poilievre, Canada
"East Asia has prospered since the end of the Vietnam War, and Northeast Asia has prospered since the end of the Korean War in a way that seems unimaginable when you think of the history of the first half of the century."
- William C. Kirby
1. Armistice ends Korean War hostilities
2. A Proclamation on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2021
3.. Biden cites pride in Korea-US friendship, calls it key to peace and stability
4. Breaking News: the Two Koreas Reconnect the Inter-Korean Hotline, Signaling the Resumption of Dialogue
5. KCNA Report on Re-operation of Inter-Korean Communication Liaison Lines
6. Increasing Chinese property purchases concern Koreans
7. Sherman stresses importance of cooperation on N. Korea during visit to China: State Dept.
8. N. Korea says restoration of cross-border hotline will play positive role in improving relations
9. N.K. leader pays respects to fallen soldiers to mark anniversary of Korean War armistice
10. Does South Korea’s youngest political boss have the chops to lead?
11. Cheong Wa Dae says no plan yet to send special envoy to N. Korea
12. UNC chief vows 'unwavering' commitment to alliance on armistice anniversary
13. Chronology of major events leading to restoration of inter-Korean communication lines
14. Rival parties welcome restoration of communication lines between two Koreas
15. Moon awards medals to two UN Forces veterans for war service
16. Hope for better ties (north - South)
17. North Korean schools will go on vacation in August
18. ＜Inside N. Korea＞ Unauthorized migration of the urban poor population towards the poorest and most rural areas. Why?
1. Armistice ends Korean War hostilities
Recall the history of today's date.
As a reminder nearly 80,000 Koreans from the South were forced to remain in the north and worked the rest of their lives as slave laborers. They have not been accounted for nor properly honored.
Armistice ends Korean War hostilities
After three years of a bloody and frustrating war, the United States, the People’s Republic of China, North Korea, and South Korea agree to an armistice, bringing the fighting of the Korean War to an end. The armistice ended America’s first experiment with the Cold War concept of “limited war.”
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when communist North Korea invaded South Korea. Almost immediately, the United States secured a resolution from the United Nations calling for the military defense of South Korea against the North Korean aggression. In a matter of days, U.S. land, air, and sea forces had joined the battle. The U.S. intervention turned the tide of the war, and soon the U.S. and South Korean forces were pushing into North Korea and toward that nation’s border with China. In November and December 1951, hundreds of thousands of troops from the People’s Republic of China began heavy assaults against the American and South Korea forces. The war eventually bogged down into a battle of attrition.
In the U.S. presidential election of 1952, Republican candidate Dwight D. Eisenhower strongly criticized President Harry S. Truman’s handling of the war. After his victory, Eisenhower adhered to his promise to “go to Korea.” His trip convinced him that something new was needed to break the diplomatic logjam at the peace talks that had begun in July 1951. Eisenhower began to publicly hint that the United States might make use of its nuclear arsenal to break the military stalemate in Korea. He allowed the Nationalist Chinese government on Taiwan to begin harassing air raids on mainland China. The president also put pressure on his South Korean ally to drop some of its demands in order to speed the peace process.
Whether or not Eisenhower’s threats of nuclear attacks helped, by July 1953 all sides involved in the conflict were ready to sign an agreement ending the bloodshed. The armistice, signed on July 27, established a committee of representatives from neutral countries to decide the fate of the thousands of prisoners of war on both sides. It was eventually decided that the POWs could choose their own fate: stay where they were or return to their homelands. A new border between North and South Korea was drawn, which gave South Korea some additional territory and demilitarized the zone between the two nations. The war cost the lives of millions of Koreans and Chinese, as well as over 50,000 Americans. It had been a frustrating war for Americans, who were used to forcing the unconditional surrender of their enemies. Many also could not understand why the United States had not expanded the war into China or used its nuclear arsenal. As government officials were well aware, however, such actions would likely have prompted World War III.
2. A Proclamation on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2021
I have to admit I was slightly confused by the headline but now I understand it from the proclamation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2021, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War Veterans.
It is also important that the president recognizes both U.S. veterans but also the new wall of remembrance that is being built at the Korean War memorial that will recognize the 7,000 plus KATUSAs along with their American brothers in arms.
Excerpt:
We shall never forget the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. On the National Mall at the Korean War Memorial, a Wall of Remembrance will be established to further honor and venerate the more than 36,000 American lives lost during the war, along with more than 7,000 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army soldiers who were killed in action. As a grateful Nation, we owe it to the families of the fallen to memorialize, commemorate, and pay tribute to the heroes who have given their lives for our Nation — and to uphold and honor the democratic values for which they fought. We must also always recognize the patriotism and service of our veterans and their families and caregivers, and uphold our sacred obligation to provide the support they need when they come home.
A Proclamation on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, 2021
JULY 26, 2021
•
The United States and the Republic of Korea are allies with a long history of shared sacrifice. In a call to defend freedom and democracy abroad, 1.8 million Americans joined the fight to protect our Korean Peninsula allies from the communist regimes in North Korea and The People’s Republic of China. In 1953, after 3 years of violent combat and millions of casualties, an armistice was signed by representatives of the United States, The People’s Republic of China, and North Korea. The armistice made possible the exchange of prisoners of war as well as an opportunity to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Almost 70 years later, that settlement still has not been reached, and the Korean Peninsula remains divided along the 38th parallel. Yet, the Republic of Korea has grown into a thriving, vibrant country, and the enduring relationship between our two nations has flourished through decades of peace. Today, we take this opportunity to honor, remember, and pay tribute to the Korean War veterans who fought to defend those universal values and freedoms that the people of South Korea enjoy today.
American service members, along with our United Nations counterparts, fought through some of the most unforgiving terrain and weather conditions on the Korean Peninsula. Through searing summer heat, bitter winter cold, and torrential rains, our forces fought with relentless courage, resilience, and perseverance. In the mountains, valleys, and rice paddies, the battles fought and lives lost in Inchon, the Chosin Reservoir, Heartbreak Ridge, and the Pusan Perimeter, we remember their valor. Earlier this year, I had the great privilege of awarding the Medal of Honor to Colonel Ralph Puckett, Jr., USA (Ret.), a legend in the Army Ranger community, for his extraordinary selflessness and heroism during the Korean War in the Battle of Hill 205. His story, and those of all our veterans of the Korean War, remind every American the high price of freedom.
We shall never forget the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. On the National Mall at the Korean War Memorial, a Wall of Remembrance will be established to further honor and venerate the more than 36,000 American lives lost during the war, along with more than 7,000 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army soldiers who were killed in action. As a grateful Nation, we owe it to the families of the fallen to memorialize, commemorate, and pay tribute to the heroes who have given their lives for our Nation — and to uphold and honor the democratic values for which they fought. We must also always recognize the patriotism and service of our veterans and their families and caregivers, and uphold our sacred obligation to provide the support they need when they come home.
Our commitment to protecting peace on the Korean Peninsula has endured and grown in the ensuing decades. We are immensely proud of our historic friendship and the trust we share with the Republic of Korea. The service and sacrifices of both our nations have left an indelible determination to sustain peace and promote regional stability. Training side-by-side with the Korean military, our Armed Forces abroad help keep the watch while proudly upholding the legacy of those serving before them. Our partnership remains crucial to maintaining peace and stability today, and to expanding economic growth in a critical region of the world.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2021, as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War Veterans.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
3. Biden cites pride in Korea-US friendship, calls it key to peace and stability
The President marks the Armistice. Yonhap and the Korea Times note the White House statement.
Excerpts:
Biden insisted the South Korea-U.S. alliance continues to remain crucial to maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
"Training side-by-side with the Korean military, our Armed Forces abroad help keep the watch while proudly upholding the legacy of those serving before them. Our partnership remains crucial to maintaining peace and stability today, and to expanding economic growth in a critical region of the world," he said.
The U.S. currently maintains some 28,500 troops on the Korean Peninsula.
Biden also noted the armistice did not officially end the war but that South Korea still managed to thrive.
"The armistice made possible the exchange of prisoners of war as well as an opportunity to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Almost 70 years later, that settlement still has not been reached, and the Korean Peninsula remains divided along the 38th parallel," said the released statement.
Biden cites pride in Korea-US friendship, calls it key to peace and stability
U.S. President Joe Biden / AP-Yonhap
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday said his country is proud of its friendship with South Korea, which he said still remains the key to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
His remarks came as the allied countries mark the anniversary of the signing of the Korean armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War nearly seven decades ago this week.
"Our commitment to protecting peace on the Korean Peninsula has endured and grown in the ensuing decades. We are immensely proud of our historic friendship and the trust we share with the Republic of Korea," the U.S. president said in a statement, released by the White House.
"The service and sacrifices of both our nations have left an indelible determination to sustain peace and promote regional stability," he added.
Some 1.8 million American service members had fought for the defense of South Korea from the invasion of communist China and North Korea, more than 36,000 of whom were killed in action, Biden noted.
"We shall never forget the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice," he said, proclaiming July 27 as National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day. "I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor and give thanks to our distinguished Korean War Veterans."
Biden insisted the South Korea-U.S. alliance continues to remain crucial to maintaining peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.
"Training side-by-side with the Korean military, our Armed Forces abroad help keep the watch while proudly upholding the legacy of those serving before them. Our partnership remains crucial to maintaining peace and stability today, and to expanding economic growth in a critical region of the world," he said.
The U.S. currently maintains some 28,500 troops on the Korean Peninsula.
Biden also noted the armistice did not officially end the war but that South Korea still managed to thrive.
"The armistice made possible the exchange of prisoners of war as well as an opportunity to negotiate a peaceful settlement. Almost 70 years later, that settlement still has not been reached, and the Korean Peninsula remains divided along the 38th parallel," said the released statement.
"Yet, the Republic of Korea has grown into a thriving, vibrant country, and the enduring relationship between our two nations has flourished through decades of peace." (Yonhap)
4. Breaking News: the Two Koreas Reconnect the Inter-Korean Hotline, Signaling the Resumption of Dialogue
Potentially a very significant development. A possible positive step forward for north-South engagement.
Or is the regme toying with the South?
Breaking News: the Two Koreas Reconnect the Inter-Korean Hotline, Signaling the Resumption of Dialogue
Photo: the inter-Korean hotline, c. 2018. Credit: Ministry of Unification.
South Korea's Blue House 청와대, or the Office of the President, announced that on July 27 at 10 a.m. - approximately an hour ago - the two Koreas spoke on the inter-Korean hotline, reconnecting the communication channel after nearly 14 months.
On June 9, 2020, North Korea had unilaterally ceased to respond to the hotline, a week before it demolished the Kaesong Joint Liaison Office 개성 공동연락사무소 that South Korea had constructed in North Korea as a part of the inter-Korean economic cooperation project.
Foreign Ministry explained that South Korea's president Moon Jae-in 문재인 and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un 김정은 had exchanged several correspondences since April, and agreed to restore mutual trust and advance the inter-Korean relations. The restoration of the hotline was accomplished as the first step toward such efforts.
The restoration of the hotline comes on the 69th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement 정전협정 of 1953, the cease-fire that marked the fighting's end in the Korean War 한국전쟁. By restoring the inter-Korean hotline on a day that marks the end of active hostilities, the two Koreas are signaling the willingness to move forward with a dialogue. In the Panmunjeom Declaration 판문점 선언 of April 27, 2018 between Moon and Kim, the two Koreas agreed to mutually reduce arms and enter into a peace treaty that would officially end the Korean War.
5. KCNA Report on Re-operation of Inter-Korean Communication Liaison Lines
The nK Propaganda and Agitation department reports on the north-South communication. Beware the regime's political warfare strategy.
KCNA Report on Re-operation of Inter-Korean Communication Liaison Lines
Pyongyang, July 27 (KCNA) -- The Korean Central News Agency released the following report on July 27:
Now, the whole Korean nation desires to see the north-south relations recovered from setback and stagnation as early as possible. In this regard, the top leaders of the north and the south agreed to make a big stride in recovering the mutual trust and promoting reconciliation by restoring the cutoff inter-Korean communication liaison lines through the recent several exchanges of personal letters.
According to the agreement made between the top leaders, the north and the south took a measure to re-operate all inter-Korean communication liaison lines from 10:00 on July 27.
The restoration of the communication liaison lines will have positive effects on the improvement and development of the north-south relations. -0-
More From KCNA.kp (En)
6. Increasing Chinese property purchases concern Koreans
Chinese economic warfare?
Excerpts:
Rep. Hong said that it could be a serious problem in the future as Chinese people are allowed to own real estate in Korea with no restrictions while Korean nationals cannot own land in China.
"While Korean nationals cannot own land in China, Chinese nationals can own Korean land and the ratio of their ownership is increasing steeply. This can become a state-level problem in the long run so it should be restricted in terms of reciprocity," the lawmaker said.
Increasing Chinese property purchases concern Koreans
gettyimagesbankBy Yoon Ja-young
Chinese buyers are increasing real estate purchases in Korea, leading to concerns among some Koreans who are suffering from soaring housing prices.
According to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport submitted to Rep. Hong Seok-joon of the main opposition People Power Party, foreigners owned 157,489 real estate properties as of 2020, which is 2.2 times more than 2011. Of this number, 40,431 were apartments.
The real estate owned by Chinese nationals especially rose steeply. The number of properties owned by Chinese nationals totaled 57,292 in 2020, which is up 16.3 times from 2011. They account for 36.37 percent of total foreign ownership as of last year.
They are especially purchasing real estate in Seoul, with the number of properties under Chinese ownership increasing 11.1 times from 2011 to 2020. Chinese real estate ownership increased 26.6 times in Gyeonggi Province which surrounds the capital. On Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination, it grew 112 times to 11,219 properties. They are also purchasing real estate in Sejong, which is highly popular among real estate investors at this time. The number of Chinese-owned properties grew 85.3 times there.
The increasing real estate purchases by foreigners is causing concern over their negative impact on the real estate market, according to Rep. Hong, who said the same problem has become a contested political topic in countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
In online communities for sharing housing market information, some users are posting concerns that foreign property investors, especially from China, are pulling up housing prices even further and the Moon Jae-in administration has done little to solve the problem.
A unit in Gyeongnam Marina Apartment in Busan's Haeundae District, which made headlines due to its steep price increase, later turned out to have been purchased by a Chinese national. The 84.93-square-meter unit on the seventh floor of the seaside apartment building was purchased for 1.7 billion won ($1.47 million) in March by a Chinese national. It is indeed a steep rise when considering that a similar unit on the 12th floor sold for 765 million won ($663,600) only three months earlier.
"The 1.7 billion won purchase by a Chinese national of course pulled up the price. Other homeowners think they can also get that much. They even canceled plans to sell their apartments on expectation that the prices will rise further," said an agent at Haegang Real Estate Agency near the apartment. However, she said that she hasn't received further inquiries from potential Chinese buyers.
The government introduced layers of regulations to curb the steeply soaring housing prices, but they have failed to stabilize the surging prices and do not apply to foreigners. A person who submitted a petition to the Cheong Wa Dae website said real estate purchases by foreign nationals are disturbing the market due to lack of proper regulation. The petitioner said foreigners should also be subject to the same rules as Koreans.
Rep. Hong said that it could be a serious problem in the future as Chinese people are allowed to own real estate in Korea with no restrictions while Korean nationals cannot own land in China.
"While Korean nationals cannot own land in China, Chinese nationals can own Korean land and the ratio of their ownership is increasing steeply. This can become a state-level problem in the long run so it should be restricted in terms of reciprocity," the lawmaker said.
7. Sherman stresses importance of cooperation on N. Korea during visit to China: State Dept.
We are taking a human rights upfront approach.
Excerpts:
Sherman also expressed U.S. concerns about human rights conditions in China.
She cited Beijing's "anti-democratic crackdown in Hong Kong, crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and others, according to the State Department.
The call, however, also comes amid reports that China currently holds more than 1,000 North Korean refugees in custody and may soon send them back to North Korea where they will likely face severe punishment.
China refuses to recognize North Korean defectors as refugees, only calling them illegal economic immigrants.
Sherman stresses importance of cooperation on N. Korea during visit to China: State Dept. | Yonhap News Agency
By Byun Duk-kun
WASHINGTON, July 26 (Yonhap) -- U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman highlighted the need for her country and China to work together in dealing with regional and global issues, such as nuclear-armed North Korea, during her visit to China, the State Department said Monday.
In her discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other officials, the deputy secretary also expressed U.S. concerns over human rights conditions in China.
Sherman's two-day visit to China largely focused on the growing rivalry between the two countries.
"The Deputy Secretary raised concerns in private -- as we have in public -- about a range of PRC actions that run counter to our values and interests and those of our allies and partners, and that undermine the international rules-based order," department spokesman Ned Price said of her visit that ended Monday (China time).
PRC stands for the People's Republic of China, China's official name.
"At the same time, the Deputy Secretary affirmed the importance of cooperation in areas of global interest, such as the climate crisis, counternarcotics, nonproliferation, and regional concerns including DPRK, Iran, Afghanistan, and Burma," Price said in a press release, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
The department spokesman had noted that North Korea will certainly be on the agenda of Sherman's trip to China amid U.S. efforts to bring Pyongyang back to the dialogue table.
"The DPRK is one of those areas where there is at least some alignment of interests, and so we think that there is room for, at the very least, discussion with the PRC when it comes to the challenge posed by the DPRK's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its other threatening activity," Price said earlier.
North Korea has stayed away from denuclearization negotiations since early 2019, and remains unresponsive to a series of U.S. overtures for engagement made since the Joe Biden administration took office in January.
Sherman's trip to China followed her visits to South Korea and Japan where she renewed U.S. outreach to the reclusive North.
"We are looking forward to a reliable, predictable, constructive way forward with the DPRK. We have offered to sit in dialogue with the North Koreans, and we are waiting to hear from them," she said Friday after meeting with her South Korean counterpart, Choi Jong-kun, in Seoul.
Sherman also expressed U.S. concerns about human rights conditions in China.
She cited Beijing's "anti-democratic crackdown in Hong Kong, crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and others, according to the State Department.
The call, however, also comes amid reports that China currently holds more than 1,000 North Korean refugees in custody and may soon send them back to North Korea where they will likely face severe punishment.
China refuses to recognize North Korean defectors as refugees, only calling them illegal economic immigrants.
bdk@yna.co.kr
(END)
8. N. Korea says restoration of cross-border hotline will play positive role in improving relations
A headline with a positive spin.
But let's think about this statement, "The whole Korean nation."
"Now, the whole Korean nation desires to see the North-South relations recovered from setback and stagnation as early as possible," the official Korean Central News Agency said, confirming that all inter-Korean communication liaison lines were restored as of 10 a.m.
The north is obviously referring to a unified Korea. Remember that its Constitution says it must complete the revolution to unify the peninsula and drive out foeign forces. Its concept of unification is rule by the Guerrilla Dynasty and Gulag State. We are seeing the Kim family regime execute its politicalwarfare strategy here.
N. Korea says restoration of cross-border hotline will play positive role in improving relations | Yonhap News Agency
SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Tuesday that the restoration of inter-Korean communication lines will play a positive role in improving inter-Korean relations.
"Now, the whole Korean nation desires to see the North-South relations recovered from setback and stagnation as early as possible," the official Korean Central News Agency said, confirming that all inter-Korean communication liaison lines were restored as of 10 a.m.
"The top leaders of the North and the South agreed to make a big stride in recovering the mutual trust and promoting reconciliation by restoring the cutoff inter-Korean communication liaison lines through the recent several exchanges of personal letters," the KCNA said.
The restoration "will have positive effects on the improvement and development of the North-South relations," it said.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)
9. N.K. leader pays respects to fallen soldiers to mark anniversary of Korean War armistice
The Fatherland Liberation War.
Key point:
Top officials accompanied Kim, including Pak Jong-chon, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army. The broadcaster also confirmed that Ri Yong-gil has been appointed the defense minister, replacing Kim Jong-gwan.
N.K. leader pays respects to fallen soldiers to mark anniversary of Korean War armistice | Yonhap News Agency
SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited a cemetery to pay respects to the soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War to commemorate the armistice that ended the fighting in the war, a state broadcaster reported Tuesday.
The Korean War ended in the armistice signed July 27, 1953, leaving South and North Korea technically in a state of war. The North called the war the Fatherland Liberation War and designated the armistice signing date as Victory Day.
Kim visited the Fatherland Liberation War Martyr's Cemetery in Pyongyang at midnight Monday to mark the 68th anniversary of the Korean War armistice, according to the North's state Korean Central Broadcasting Station.
Top officials accompanied Kim, including Pak Jong-chon, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army. The broadcaster also confirmed that Ri Yong-gil has been appointed the defense minister, replacing Kim Jong-gwan.
The Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the ruling Workers' Party, said that Kim delivered food, medicine and other gifts to the war veterans to mark the anniversary.
A national conference of war veterans is expected to take place in Pyongyang on Tuesday for the second straight year.
War veterans participating in the conference paid respects to the fallen soldiers Monday and watched a performance in celebration of the anniversary.
Observers say the North appears to be aimed at tightening internal unity in the face of deepening economic fallout caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.
North Korea marks the anniversary of the conflict as it struggles to ward off the coronavirus and bolster its economic growth amid protracted border controls and global sanctions.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)
10. Does South Korea’s youngest political boss have the chops to lead?
It will be interesting to see if he does. We certainly need new young blood in Korea (and the US and other democracies!)
Does South Korea’s youngest political boss have the chops to lead? | East Asia Forum
Author: Jinwoo Kim, Sermo Institute of International Studies
Sometimes a political earthquake unfolds right before one’s eyes. Such was the case on 11 June 2021, when Lee Jun-seok was elected as the youngest leader of South Korea’s main conservative opposition party, the People Power Party (PPP). Riding the coat-tails of a convincing PPP sweep of by-elections in Seoul and Busan, the 36-year-old, Harvard-educated computer science major vowed to revamp South Korean politics.
Lee promises to cure the body politic that he says has fallen ill with President Moon Jae-in’s leftist statism, inflation and corruption. His medicine? A dose of meritocracy and equal opportunity, with transparency thrown in for good measure. It remains unclear whether his medicine is just a placebo.
In his acceptance speech, Lee paraphrased the analogy of the US salad bowl to showcase South Korea’s bibimbap, a national dish that consists of different vegetables mixed with rice and sauce into a unified meal. His message, hackneyed but clear, is that there is strength in diversity of opinion.
His default to this cliche should not be surprising. While Lee has been on the media talk circuit for over 10 years and is fluent in the game of the 30-second sound bite, he has never been elected to office. Established conservative leaders ridiculed the political lightweight and foretold calamity in the 2022 presidential elections if this amateur were to win. But win he did.
Undoubtedly, Lee has a smooth way with words. But the content of his speeches lacks substance which makes it hard to discern a lasting impression. Elements of Lee’s persona and philosophy can be gleaned from interviews in which he expounded on his fondness for former US president Barack Obama’s ‘One America’ speech and his testament to eradicate the PPP’s culture of entitlement.
Lee’s youth is both his strength and his weakness. Like any good promoter, he knows how to draw in an audience. In one of his first actions as party leader, Lee launched a political version of America’s Got Talent to select the PPP’s team of spokesmen. He exploited the South Korean public’s disgust with its leaders’ lack of accountability by casting a nationwide audition. After completion of this popular casting, he hinted at tapping the public once again for policy ideas.
Yet he needs to hit the books rather than hold another round of auditions. The works of Milton Friedman, Michael Oakeshott and Robert Nozick are recommended for the freshmen leader instead of the publicity strategies of Simon Cowell, Oprah Winfrey and Tony Robbins.
Going outside the party for fresh blood and ideas is alluring but risky. Contestants are judged by their performances in a single audition. Candidates build their expertise, earn their spirit and are tested and judged over a lifetime of experience — which takes time and hard work. Flash in the pan auditions may produce ratings, but they do not produce serious candidates. The public perhaps deserves better.
Political parties are not only for building consensus, instituting discipline and forming diverse opinions but for thorough vetting. Lee has his work cut out for him. He must navigate between the Scylla of popular sentiments and the Charybdis of party cohesion. He has to accommodate entrenched long timers, balance the pro-Park Geun-hye and reformist factions and dampen regional frictions. He also has to deal with Yoon Seuk-yeul — the rising star in South Korean politics and former prosecutor general under President Moon.
Lee’s unstated strategy for a conservative comeback relies on a supposed coalition of disenchanted progressives who regret supporting Moon, moderate conservatives and the proverbial middle. This may be short-sighted. Lee can only capture the swing voters in the centre after solidifying the base — he cannot continue to ground his strategy solely in a centre-as-base, ‘anti-Moon’ stance. Rallying the PPP and its eventual presidential nominee to offer the voters a clear vision for the country and promise regime change is a prerequisite.
Will Lee emerge as a strategic visionary or a tactical hack? He hasn’t espoused any genuine conservative principles — he has no position on taxes, minimum wage, nuclear energy or unemployment. He is also a blank slate on foreign policy. Lee may want to be president one day. But he must first lead the PPP to victory in the 2022 presidential election — the penultimate test of his spirit and credibility. Only then can he contemplate satiating his presidential ambitions.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said that ‘talent develops in quiet, alone; character is sharpened in the torrent of the world’. Lee’s political talent is unquestionable. Whether he can forge the character to boldly confront the challenges of his leadership and achieve electoral victory remains to be seen.
Jinwoo Kim is Founder and President of the Sermo Institute of International Studies.
11. Cheong Wa Dae says no plan yet to send special envoy to N. Korea
Patience. Test KJU's intent. Don't overreact. Beware the regime's political warfare strategy.
We must continually ask and assess these two questions and keep the answers in mind as we execute our superior form of political warfare.
1. Do we believe that Kim Jong-un has abandoned the seven decades old strategy of subversion, coercion-extortion (blackmail diplomacy), and use of force to achieve unification dominated by the Guerrilla Dynasty and Gulag State in order to ensure the survival of the mafia like crime family cult known as Kim family regime?
2. In support of that strategy do we believe that Kim Jong-un has abandoned the objective to split the ROK/US Alliance and get US forces off the peninsula? Has KJU given up his divide to conquer strategy - divide the alliance to conquer the ROK?
Cheong Wa Dae says no plan yet to send special envoy to N. Korea | Yonhap News Agency
SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- The office of President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday it has no plan, for now, to dispatch a special envoy to North Korea.
It cited "realistic restraints" attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in the day, Cheong Wa Dae announced the reopening of direct communication lines between the two Koreas that were severed in June last year.
Moon and the North's leader Kim Jong-un have reached an agreement on that, as they have exchanged personal letters several times, it added.
On whether Moon is considering the dispatch of a special envoy to Pyongyang, a Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters that the issue "has not been discussed."
"I think there are realistic restraints amid the current coronavirus situation," the official added on the customary condition of anonymity.
The matter of providing the North with coronavirus vaccines was not discussed either, as the two sides will talk about specific agenda items related to inter-Korean exchanges down the road, he said.
Asked about whether South Korea had consultations with the United States on reconnecting the hotlines during a visit here last week by Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the official just said the allies are "closely sharing information when needed."
The restoration and improvement of inter-Korean relations are expected to play a positive role in advancing North Korea-U.S. dialogue and negotiations on denuclearization at an early date, he said.
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)
12. UNC chief vows 'unwavering' commitment to alliance on armistice anniversary
Excerpts:
The two Koreas are still technically at war, as the conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.
"Our alliance is strong and has what it takes to fight and win on the most dangerous piece of ground the last 100 meters," the U.S. general said.
"While we are yet to achieve the elusive permanent peace agreement, the armistice agreement provides the conditions for diplomacy to pursue this objective," he said, promising to "remain prepared to respond to opportunities that may lead to permanent peace."
...
"The United Nations Command's commitment to this alliance 68 years later is firm, is unwavering, and indeed, will remain so," LaCamera said.
UNC chief vows 'unwavering' commitment to alliance on armistice anniversary | Yonhap News Agency
By Choi Soo-hyang
SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- New United Nations Command (UNC) Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera on Tuesday vowed an "unwavering" commitment to the security of the Korean Peninsula, saying that the alliance has "what it takes to fight and win on the most dangerous piece of ground."
LaCamera made the remarks during a ceremony held at a U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, 70 kilometers south of Seoul, to mark the 68th anniversary of the 1950-53 Korean War armistice agreement, saying that permanent peace remains "elusive."
The two Koreas are still technically at war, as the conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.
"Our alliance is strong and has what it takes to fight and win on the most dangerous piece of ground the last 100 meters," the U.S. general said.
"While we are yet to achieve the elusive permanent peace agreement, the armistice agreement provides the conditions for diplomacy to pursue this objective," he said, promising to "remain prepared to respond to opportunities that may lead to permanent peace."
LaCamera took office earlier this month to lead the 28,500-strong U.S. forces in South Korea, as well as the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command and the U.S.-led UNC.
Established in 1950 under a U.N. mandate in response to North Korea's military provocations, the UNC has played a role as the enforcer of the armistice agreement that halted the Korean War.
"The United Nations Command's commitment to this alliance 68 years later is firm, is unwavering, and indeed, will remain so," LaCamera said.
The remarks came as South and North Korea announced their leaders' agreement to improve ties on Tuesday, restoring communication lines that had been cut off for more than a year amid stalled nuclear negotiations.
According to the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, President Moon Jae-in and the North's leader Kim Jong-un agreed to "recover mutual trust and again push the countries' relationship forward" in multiple letters exchanged since April.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)
13. Chronology of major events leading to restoration of inter-Korean communication lines
I was hoping to see a report on the reported letter exchange between Moon and KJU. Only the Joongang Ilbo has reported that that took place.
Chronology of major events leading to restoration of inter-Korean communication lines | Yonhap News Agency
SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- The following is a chronology of major events leading to the restoration of communication lines between South and North Korea on Tuesday, 13 months after the North unilaterally severed them in protest of anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by activists.
2020
June 4 -- North Korea threatens to scrap a military tension reduction deal with South Korea and shut down major exchange projects in anger over Seoul's supposed failure to stop activists from sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into the communist nation.
June 9 -- North Korea unilaterally cuts off all communication lines with the South.
June 10 -- South Korea's unification ministry announces decision to revoke business permits granted to two North Korean defector groups for sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border, accusing them of putting at risk the safety of people living in the border regions.
June 13 -- Kim Yo-jong, younger sister of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, says the North will take the "next action" against the South, adding its army has been given the authority to take "the next action against the enemy."
June 16 -- North Korea blows up an inter-Korean joint liaison office in its border town of Kaesong, sharply escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula after near-daily threats to punish Seoul over anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets.
July 17 -- South Korea revokes the operation permits of two North Korean defector groups, saying their campaigns to send propaganda leaflets into the communist nation "gravely hindered" efforts toward unification.
Sept. 22 -- North Korea fatally shoots a South Korean fisheries official who was adrift on its side of the Yellow Sea and burns his body. The official went missing the previous day while on duty near the western border island of Yeonpyeong.
Sept. 25 -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un apologizes for the killing of the South Korean citizen by its military.
Dec. 14 -- South Korea's parliament passes a controversial bill prohibiting the sending of anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the inter-Korean border amid criticism the law violates freedom of expression.
2021
March 21 -- North Korea fires two cruise missiles off the west coast, marking its first missile tests in about a year.
March 25 -- North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, marking its first ballistic missile launches in about a year.
July 27 -- South and North Korea announce the restoration of cross-border communication lines as part of efforts to improve inter-Korean relations.
scaaet@yna.co.kr
(END)
14. Rival parties welcome restoration of communication lines between two Koreas
As they should.
Rival parties welcome restoration of communication lines between two Koreas | Yonhap News Agency
SEOUL, July 27 (Yonhap) -- Rival parties welcomed the restoration of cross-border communication lines between Seoul and Pyongyang on Tuesday, voicing hope for a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations.
Cheong Wa Dae announced earlier in the day that Seoul and Pyongyang were resuming communications via their direct hotlines as a result of an agreement between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The cross-border communication lines were cut off by the North in June last year in protest against South Korean activists' sending of anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into the communist nation.
"I enthusiastically welcome the news, which sounds like a rain shower after a drought," Rep. Song Young-gil, chairman of the ruling Democratic Party (DP), wrote on his Facebook account. "We have a load of things to do starting now. The top priority will be opening up a channel of direct dialogue with North Korea."
Song underlined there are also growing signs of hope for a possible deal to normalize the diplomatic ties between the North and the United States, saying he hopes that the "Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act" bill, proposed by American Congressman Brad Sherman and endorsed by fellow lawmakers, will also contribute to forging a binding peace treaty between the two Koreas.
DP spokesperson Rep. Lee So-young also said in a press briefing her party "expects the reconnection to serve as a turning point for efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula."
The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) also welcomed the news.
"Under-the-table dialogue should be maintained for any type of relations," PPP spokesman Yang Jun-woo said.
The latest restoration of the inter-Korean hotlines, however, should serve as a chance for communications, not "courtship" with Pyongyang by Seoul, he said, urging the government to seek explanations from Pyongyang for its recent provocations, including the shooting death of a South Korean fisheries official last year on the northern side of the western maritime border.
PPP lawmaker Park Jin, who is a member of the parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, echoed the view, writing on his social network service page that "I hope this could be a starting point for meaningful and genuine dialogue under which (Seoul) could speak up for itself."
pbr@yna.co.kr
(END)
15. Moon awards medals to two UN Forces veterans for war service
It is great to see President Moon honor Chaplain Emil Joseph Kapaun
Tuesday
July 27, 2021
Moon awards medals to two UN Forces veterans for war service
President Moon Jae-in, left, awards a state medal to the late Emil Joseph Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain who died in the Korean War, and presents a helmet with a cross to his nephew Ray Kapaun and his wife in a ceremony at the Blue House Tuesday recognizing two United Nations Forces veterans who fought in the war. [BLUE HOUSE]
President Moon Jae-in awarded state medals to two United Nations Forces veterans who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War Tuesday, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions to South Korea.
The late Emil Joseph Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain, and former Australian Brigadier Colin Nicholas Khan were recognized at a ceremony attended by their relatives, diplomats and military officials held at the Blue House to mark the UN Forces Participation Day.
This marks the first time that the Korean president directly bestowed state medals to UN Forces veterans.
Kapaun, a Roman Catholic priest who served as a U.S. Army captain and died in service, was presented the Taegeuk Order of Military Merit, the highest decoration for military bravery.
Khan received the Order of Civil Merit, Seogryu (Pomegranate) Medal, awarded to those who have contributed to national development.
Moon said in a speech at the ceremony, "The UN's participation in the Korean War engraved in the world's history the lesson that solidarity and cooperation can protect freedom and peace."
Kapaun, a Kansas native, participated in the Korean War since July 15, 1950, and was captured by enemy forces while saving wounded comrade soldiers despite a pullout order amid an airstrike by the Chinese army.
He was sent to prison camp, and was known for helping to care for friends and foes alike, despite his own ill health.
He eventually died in captivity on May 23, 1951, and had been considered to be missing in action.
However, Kapaun's remains were finally found last March, 70 years after his death, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii and returned to his family.
His nephew Ray Kapaun received the medal on his behalf during the Blue House ceremony. The president also presented an iron helmet with a cross symbol to Kapaun's family.
Khan, now 91, joined the Korean War in 1952 as a front-line platoon commander of the Australian Army. He conducted fighting and reconnaissance patrols against the enemy forces and eventually sustained serious gunshot wounds while on duty and was sent home.
He went on to share with the world the devastation of the Korean War as well as South Korea's miraculous post-war development. He has continued to engage in activities to strengthen friendly relations with South Korea including contributing to the establishment of the Australian National Korean War Memorial in 2000.
Khan's great-grandniece received the medal on his behalf due to his health problems. The president also presented to Khan's family a memorial tablet made out of granite mined in Gapyeong, where the Australian Army fought a battle during the Korean War.
Khan said in a video message, "I played a very small part in the great and outstanding reconstruction that we see in South Korea today. So any order that I get, I take with great humility, and I would accept it with great pride because I have grown and developed a great admiration for the Korean people."
Tuesday also marked the 68th anniversary of the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War on July 27, 1953.
The ceremony was attended by Gen. Paul LaCamera, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea and the United Nations Command, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, the archbishop of Seoul, and diplomats from the United States, Australia and the Vatican in South Korea.
The event commemorated the sacrifices and contributions of some 1.95 million UN troops from 22 countries who fought for South Korea during the war.
BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]
16. Hope for better ties (north - South)
north Korea is watching the "euphoria" from the restoration of the "hotline." Everyone immediately has their hopes up.
But in keeping with the regime's strategy to split the ROK/US alliance we should expect a provocation next month in response to the ROK/US combined exercises. The intent will be to cause the ROK to blame the US for pushing readiness exercises and certain factions within the ROK will say - see I told you so, if we just cancelled the exercise the north would not conduct a provocation and would come to the negotiation table.
But I think we need to inoculate the ROK and US publics to the very real possibility that there could be a provocation next month. We want the ROK and US public reaction to be - so what - we expected it and we know that the regime is simply continuing to execute its political warfare strategy..
Do not get your hopes up too high here:
Inter-Korean detente will certainly make it easier for the North to negotiate with the U.S over sanctions relief in return for denuclearization. If Pyongyang keeps demanding that Washington first lift major sanctions before starting the denuclearization process, it will not see a breakthrough. Thus, the North had better take a flexible approach. As such, Washington needs to provide more incentives to lure Pyongyang back to talks.
Against this backdrop, President Moon should play a more active role in brokering dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea. It will be Moon's last chance to promote his much-touted "peace process" on the peninsula before his term ends in May 2022. However, he should not seek another grandstanding event only to help the ruling Democratic Party of Korea win next year's presidential election.
Hope for better ties
Two Koreas should resume dialogue for peace
South and North Korea reconnected their severed cross-border communication lines Tuesday, raising cautious hopes for the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue as well as the stalled denuclearization talks with Washington.
It came 13 months after the North cut all communication lines with the South to protest North Korean defectors sending propaganda leaflets into the reclusive country.
The reconnection was in accordance with an agreement between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The presidential office said the two leaders agreed on the restoration of the communication lines after exchanging several personal letters over the past three months. It added Moon and Kim also agreed to seek to restore mutual trust and promote reconciliation between the two Koreas.
We welcome the agreement and hope for better inter-Korean ties. We also have cautious optimism that the North will soon return to the negotiating table to discuss denuclearization with the United States.
During their first face-to-face summit in Washington, D.C., in May, Moon and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed to resolve the North Korean nuclear problem through dialogue and diplomacy. Notably, they acknowledged previous agreements, including the Singapore statement issued by Kim and then U.S. President Donald Trump during their historic summit in June 2018.
However, the Kim regime has yet to accept the Biden administration's offers for dialogue. It should no longer drag its feet. The longer the deadlock remains, the harder it becomes to find a solution to the nuclear showdown with the U.S. That's why we call on the North to embrace U.S. overtures sooner rather than later.
If that is difficult, Pyongyang can first start talking with Seoul to rebuild trust and ease tension on the Korean Peninsula. Then the two sides can boost inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation. The starting point could be the South's humanitarian assistance to help the North tackle the chronic food shortage and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Through this, the two Koreas can improve their relations and move toward peace, reconciliation and prosperity.
Inter-Korean detente will certainly make it easier for the North to negotiate with the U.S over sanctions relief in return for denuclearization. If Pyongyang keeps demanding that Washington first lift major sanctions before starting the denuclearization process, it will not see a breakthrough. Thus, the North had better take a flexible approach. As such, Washington needs to provide more incentives to lure Pyongyang back to talks.
Against this backdrop, President Moon should play a more active role in brokering dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea. It will be Moon's last chance to promote his much-touted "peace process" on the peninsula before his term ends in May 2022. However, he should not seek another grandstanding event only to help the ruling Democratic Party of Korea win next year's presidential election.
17. North Korean schools will go on vacation in August
Excerpts:
Meanwhile, North Korean students must reportedly carry out “little kid plans” — mandatory economic tasks for students — this summer vacation as well. Though North Korean authorities call the assignments part of a “good works campaign,” these are simply economic tasks for kids, according to the source.
“The Socialist Patriotic Youth League and Korean Children’s Union have already issued plan assignments,” said the source. “Generally speaking, each student has to submit two empty bottles, a kilogram of discarded glass, a kilogram of scrap paper, three kilograms of scrap metal, 100 grams of scrap aluminum, one rabbit hide, one set of gloves, and five sets of mittens. The plans specified that the gloves are to support the construction of 10,000 new homes in Pyongyang.”
...
Parents are reportedly quite unhappy about the rabbit hide assignment. The source said parents believe they “absolutely must” submit the hides because the “behavior scores” on transcripts depend on how well students have fulfilled their quotas. “However, many parents say the leadership has rashly tasked them with the assignment, not knowing realities – namely, that when you skin a rabbit in summer, all the fur falls out,” said the source.
The source added that students should also catch insects for pest control given that the country is putting all efforts into improving agricultural output. In fact, students reportedly must submit a 500 milliliter glass bottle filled with walkingsticks and other agriculturally harmful pests collected during the vacation.
“With supplementary classes unnecessary because schools will likely finish first semester work before the vacation begins, students need to do only their homework and plans during the vacation,” said the source. “Last year, there was a panic since classes couldn’t proceed because of the sudden outbreak of the coronavirus, but this year, there’s no chaos regarding whether to go on vacation given that classes are set to proceed as scheduled no matter what.”
North Korean schools will go on vacation in August - Daily NK
During the vacation, students must carried out various economic tasks
By Ha Yoon Ah - 2021.07.27 1:56pm
North Korea’s education ministry recently issued orders regarding this year’s summer vacation during a virtual meeting with the education departments of the nation’s 13 provinces and provincial-level cities.
According to the orders, elementary schools nationwide will go on formal holiday for a month in August, while middle and high schools and universities will go on a half month of holiday from mid-August.
A source in North Korea told Daily NK that following the politburo’s recent expanded meeting, educational authorities convened their first virtual meeting after making extensive efforts to build a system of monitors, modems, and cables. “[The education ministry] issued an order pertaining to vacation during the meeting, which was attended by officials from the ministry and provincial education departments,” he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
During the meeting, the education ministry said elementary schools nationwide will go on vacation for a month starting Aug. 1, while middle and high schools will go on vacation for half a month from the middle of August. It also ordered schools to check their readiness to reopen, setting Aug. 30 as the preliminary date for the restart of classes at all schools nationwide.
With the exception of Kim Jong Un National Defense University, which remains open in summer, North Korea’s universities plan to begin vacation from Aug. 15, with final classes now reportedly underway. “Universities in Pyongyang plan to issue travel certificates to students when classes end by Aug. 13,” said the source. “After going to their hometowns, the students must return to Pyongyang by Aug. 28.”
Interestingly, North Korean education authorities are reportedly preparing to distribute “vacation workbooks” to elementary, middle, and high school students this year. Previously, teachers had assigned homework by telling students to solve questions on such-and-such page of their textbooks during the vacation. This year, however, they are providing separate books for vacation assignments.
Students attending class in North Korea’s Pyongyang Elementary School. / Image: Ryukyung Website
“Provincial, city and county publishing houses and print shops are now printing the vacation workbooks,” said the source. “The workbooks differ from grade to grade, and they include not only basic questions, but also sections to write down thoughts on various athletic and natural science activities, as well as a diary section.” In fact, it appears similar to South Korea’s “EBS Vacation Life” textbooks.
North Korean educational authorities have reportedly asked universities to submit written plans detailing which assignments they will be tasking their students with during the summer vacation. Universities had previously assigned vacation assignments by themselves, but this year, they must receive approval from the Central Committee. Accordingly, universities have to submit their plans to the Central Committee from the last week in July to the first week in August, according to the source.
Meanwhile, North Korean students must reportedly carry out “little kid plans” — mandatory economic tasks for students — this summer vacation as well. Though North Korean authorities call the assignments part of a “good works campaign,” these are simply economic tasks for kids, according to the source.
“The Socialist Patriotic Youth League and Korean Children’s Union have already issued plan assignments,” said the source. “Generally speaking, each student has to submit two empty bottles, a kilogram of discarded glass, a kilogram of scrap paper, three kilograms of scrap metal, 100 grams of scrap aluminum, one rabbit hide, one set of gloves, and five sets of mittens. The plans specified that the gloves are to support the construction of 10,000 new homes in Pyongyang.”
Parents are reportedly quite unhappy about the rabbit hide assignment. The source said parents believe they “absolutely must” submit the hides because the “behavior scores” on transcripts depend on how well students have fulfilled their quotas. “However, many parents say the leadership has rashly tasked them with the assignment, not knowing realities – namely, that when you skin a rabbit in summer, all the fur falls out,” said the source.
The source added that students should also catch insects for pest control given that the country is putting all efforts into improving agricultural output. In fact, students reportedly must submit a 500 milliliter glass bottle filled with walkingsticks and other agriculturally harmful pests collected during the vacation.
“With supplementary classes unnecessary because schools will likely finish first semester work before the vacation begins, students need to do only their homework and plans during the vacation,” said the source. “Last year, there was a panic since classes couldn’t proceed because of the sudden outbreak of the coronavirus, but this year, there’s no chaos regarding whether to go on vacation given that classes are set to proceed as scheduled no matter what.”
Please direct any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
18. ＜Inside N. Korea＞ Unauthorized migration of the urban poor population towards the poorest and most rural areas. Why?
Very interesting analysis. This is something. We must continue to assess and figure out what it means and how it will impact everything from the resilience of the population to future unification. Where are these people disappearing to? We have seen a reduction in escapees so it does not appear they are crossing the border. Are there sanctuaries in north Korea? Is this an indication of nascent resistance potential?
Excerpts:
In addition, according to a reporting partner living in another city in North Hamkyung Province, there is an increase in the number of people who sell their houses, leave the city, and disappear. When the police suspected that they had defected from the North Korea, they traced their whereabouts and found that many of them had gone to farming villages because they could not eat.
It is now a year and a half since the Kim Jong-un regime closed the Chinese border to prevent the influx of coronavirus. Domestic movement has been severely restricted, and residents who have been cut off from cash income due to poor business are facing a starvation. Although food is being sold in the market, the rice and corn prices soared in June, increasing the number of poor people who are unable to access food.
In North Korea, rural areas are considered to be the poorest, and recently the number of "Food Insecure Households" that have run out of cash and food has been increasing. However, it is believed that those who have run out of money in the cities are heading to rural areas as a last resort.
＜Inside N. Korea＞ Unauthorized migration of the urban poor population towards the poorest and most rural areas. Why?
(Photo) In North Korea, farmers are scorned as the poorest profession. Photographed in a farming village on the outskirts of Pyongyang in October 2008. (Jang Jong-gil, ASIAPRESS)
North Korea is experiencing serious economic turmoil due to excessive measures against the coronavirus without considering the well-being of the people. The phenomenon of some impoverished urban residents fleeing to rural areas continues, and the authorities are increasing their restrictions and vigilance (Kang Ji-won).
◆A Shock of Begging in a Farm Village
Our reporting partners living in several cities in North Hamkyung Province and Ryanggang Province provided us with information.
In early July, a reporting partner living in Musan County, North Hamkyung Province, told us as follows:
“The Kochebi (homeless) and the destitute are flowing out to the neighbouring villages. They go into the fields and dig up small, unripe potatoes, or go around to the farmers and beg for food. Some of them are even burglars, so the villagers can't leave their houses empty and the police make the residents patrol the village.”
Our reporting partner living in Ryanggang Province also reported a similar situation in mid-July as follows:
“Recently, more and more people are leaving the cities and heading for the countryside under the excuse of going to buy food or to get help from relatives because life is too hard. They are asking farmers for food by helping them with their work. The authorities consider them to be "vagrants" who leave their places of residence without permission, and are cracking down intensively on them.”
In addition, according to a reporting partner living in another city in North Hamkyung Province, there is an increase in the number of people who sell their houses, leave the city, and disappear. When the police suspected that they had defected from the North Korea, they traced their whereabouts and found that many of them had gone to farming villages because they could not eat.
It is now a year and a half since the Kim Jong-un regime closed the Chinese border to prevent the influx of coronavirus. Domestic movement has been severely restricted, and residents who have been cut off from cash income due to poor business are facing a starvation. Although food is being sold in the market, the rice and corn prices soared in June, increasing the number of poor people who are unable to access food.
In North Korea, rural areas are considered to be the poorest, and recently the number of "Food Insecure Households" that have run out of cash and food has been increasing. However, it is believed that those who have run out of money in the cities are heading to rural areas as a last resort.
※ASIAPRESS contacts its reporting partners in North Korea through smuggled Chinese mobile phones.
V/R
David Maxwell
Senior Fellow
Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Phone: 202-573-8647
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
FDD is a Washington-based nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.
