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Desperation fuels North Korea's
leniency
North Korea's release of American missionary Robert Park comes as the
debilitating effects of a botched currency reform raises fears of famine
and as a power struggle erupts among Pyongyang's elite. With the North
reportedly reeling from rice riots and inner-party purges, Seoul and Washington
see the perfect chance to turn the screws on Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons
program. - Donald Kirk (Feb 5, '10)
South Korea marks a painful centenary
Northeast China, March 26, 1910. A Korean nationalist is executed for pumping
four bullets into Hirobumi Ito, architect of the Meiji Restoration and Japan's
colonial administrator for Korea. The shots fired by Ahn Jung-geun ushered in a
35-year Japanese occupation of Korea marked by killings, "comfort women" and a
merciless "Japanization". They also rang out across Northeast Asia, raising
questions of Pan-Asian unity that remain unanswered to this day. - Ronan Thomas
(Feb 2, '10)
Grim tales from North Korea's gulags
Former prisoners from a North Korean penal colony have dire news on the ordeal
likely being endured by the American missionary who entered the country in
December with a "message of goodwill". In the North, Christian worship is
punishable by death, while simply being a classmate of one of the Dear Leader's
mistresses is enough to earn one - along with the family - a slow, painful
death in a gulag. - Donald Kirk (Jan 28, '10)
Looking ahead to North Korea's demise
A recent report released in the United States, one of whose authors is closely
connected to Washington’s defense establishment, looks at what it would take to
disarm North Korea. In similar vein, South Korea has come out with a
contingency plan should North Korea collapse. Pyongyang's indignation is
enough to undo signs of renewed efforts at reconciliation. - Donald Kirk
(Jan 22, '10)
Pyongyang gets a piece of US's mind
As North Korea sounded off about a Korean War peace treaty, the United States
human-rights envoy, Robert King, was talking tough on the North's record while
on a visit to South Korea. The timing and motives behind these events are
unclear, though the US State Department lost no time in denouncing the peace
proposal as essentially nothing new. - Donald Kirk
(Jan 12, '10)
Christian tests Pyongyang's resolutions
The Korean-American missionary who entered North Korea on Christmas eve
carrying an appeal for leader Kim Jong-il to repent and release political
prisoners has an uncertain fate. Hopes he will be spared were boosted by New
Year pledges by Pyongyang, possibly sparked by economic desperation, to strive
for "lasting peace" on the peninsula and make it "nuclear-free through
dialogue". But the Christian crusader may already have one foot in heaven. - Donald
Kirk (Jan 4, '10)
South Korea let off for nuclear
deceptions
In 2004, the International Atomic Energy Agency revealed that a member state
had lied and carried out covert uranium conversion and enrichment activities
for more than two decades, raising legitimate suspicions of interest in a
nuclear weapons program. Sounds like Iran, right? Wrong. This deception was
carried out by South Korea, and the violations went unpunished. - Gareth Porter
(Dec 21, '09)
Pyongyang issues a call for arms
Emerging details of United States envoy Stephen Bosworth's visit to Pyongyang
have made clear the North's main condition before returning to the six-party
talks on its nuclear program - the lifting of sanctions imposed on its arms
trade. The seizure in Thailand of a cargo plane laden with North Korean arms
highlights that the sanctions are working. - Donald Kirk
(Dec 18, '09)
SPEAKING FREELY
North Korea: Mad as a hatter?
Basic mistrust between North Korea and the United States dates to the 1950s. It
continues to mar prospects of ending the tense standoff over nuclear
proliferation. With nukes becoming a bargaining tool for Pyongyang,
confrontation and conflict with the US and its allies is set to continue,
despite some optimistic signs of accommodation. - John Hemmings
(Dec 17, '09)
Diplomatic deja vu in Pyongyang
Stephen Bosworth, the US envoy on Korea, has returned from Pyongyang after
"candid" talks on resuming six-party meetings and a September 2005 deal in
which the North agreed to surrender its nuclear program in return for energy
and economic aid. However, the North has a poor record on abiding with
agreements and the US is unlikely to accept its fanciful conditions. - Donald
Kirk (Dec 11, '09)
Pyongyang stage set for Bosworth talks
This week's trip by a high-level United States envoy to Pyongyang indicates
that the US is learning to live with a nuclear North Korea, writes the North's
unofficial spokesman. In return, the Kim Jong-il regime is ready to
consider ending its nuclear weapons program, if the US signs a bilateral peace
treaty, establishes full diplomatic ties and initiates global nuclear
disarmament. - Kim Myong Chol (Dec 8, '09)
Seoul has own fears over US surge
South Korea has bristled at the notion that United States troops stationed in
the Asian country could be moved to bolster the 30,000-strong force ordered to
Afghanistan. Seoul will also closely watch next week's visit by a US
envoy to Pyongyang. His trip may have a grim backdrop, as a redenomination
of the North Korean won has reportedly sparked suicides, killings and even
protests. - Donald Kirk (Dec 4, '09)
South Korea's 'grand' smokescreen
South Korea's latest offer for the North, dubbed the "grand bargain", is a
rehash of its "Vision 3000" package that Pyongyang shot down with its usual
strongly worded rhetoric. Seoul fully expects its latest offer to be rebuffed,
but that is the plan. - Andrei Lankov
(Dec 2, '09)
Cheers all round for Obama in Korea
After troublesome stopovers in Japan and China, United States President Barack
Obama ended his swing through Asia on a high in South Korea, with US troops
jubilant after a rousing speech. The feel-good factor was boosted by a glowing
consensus with Seoul's leader over ending Pyongyang's nuclear program. - Donald
Kirk (Nov 20, '09)
Korean model triumphs over West
South Korea's strong economic growth, as Western counterparts struggle to
emerge from recession, makes a mockery of long-standing criticism from the West
over the predominance of family-run conglomerates in the Korean economy. - Ian
Williams (Nov 16, '09)
Korea: Looking for a fight
After the 5,000 rounds that four South Korean patrol boats fired at an errant
North Korean vessel, President Obama's visit to Seoul will seem tame in
comparison. But while there won't be any fireworks over Pyongyang's nuclear
weapons, the contentious US-Korean free-trade agreement could provide
sufficient ammunition for a fight. - Donald Kirk
(Nov 13, '09)
Songdo City defies crisis odds
Local government backing and the promise of a
high-quality life have helped a built-from-scratch city on reclaimed land west
of Seoul to survive the financial crisis and numerous domestic doubts. But
Songdo City's first post-recession test is coming as more apartments are put up
for sale. - David McNeill (Nov 11, '09)
Clouds over Tokyo and Seoul
Disagreements over a United States army base in Japan and a free-trade
agreement with South Korea are likely to figure prominently in President Barack
Obama's visit to Northeast Asia. Nonetheless, Obama is expected to grasp this
opportunity to reaffirm the US's longstanding relationship with its two closest
allies in the region. (Nov 11, '09)
US finally wise to Pyongyang's ways
Through a canny mix of precipitous threats and conciliatory gestures, North
Korea had continually succeeded in manipulating the United States into granting
it vast amounts of food and energy aid - while giving away little in return.
The US now appears to have cottoned onto this, recognizing that Pyongyang
hasn't the slightest intention of surrendering its nuclear program. - Andrei
Lankov (Nov 11, '09)
Passing the buck on North Korea
Bilateral talks scheduled between Stephen Bosworth, the United States point man
on North Korea, and the leadership in Pyongyang - purportedly over coaxing the
North back into six-party talks on its nuclear weapons program - may just be a
smokescreen to force China back into action. Even if Bosworth's mission is
fruitless, Beijing could no longer accuse the US of not showing its hand. - Donald
Kirk (Nov 6, '09)
US frets over Tokyo drift
The United States-Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of US security in the
Pacific, but Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's pledges to create more
independence for Japan and a viable East Asian community have led to
uncertainty in Washington. Domestically, Hatoyama faces a delicate balancing
act as he attempts to satisfy the demands of the public, pacifist coalition
members, and an ever-more assertive Japanese military. - Peter J Brown
(Nov 4, '09)
Doubles, toil and trouble in Pyongyang
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's sprightly appearance in a spate of
public showings since
he reportedly suffered a stroke, including meetings with China's Premier Wen
Jiabao and former United States president Bill Clinton, has re-ignited rumors
there is a troupe of look-alike Dear Leader actors. - Donald Kirk
(Oct 30, '09)
New moons are rising
The Reverend Sun Myung Moon, nearing 90, has been meeting movers and shakers in
the rarified heights of Washington to promote his autobiography,
illustrating the political power and influence both in the United States and
abroad of his World Unification Church. Moon's sons are now being groomed for
the difficult task of making the church appear less idiosyncratic and more
acceptable to the public. (Oct 30, '09)
Korean summit not such a sick idea
As Washington pledges continuous military support for South Korea and issues
cautious words for the North, South Korean media are hinting that an
inter-Korean summit might not be as absurd an idea as previously believed.
Maybe the Dear Leader will go on a medical tourism journey to Seoul. - Donald
Kirk (Oct 23, '09)
Pyongyang flirts with 'two-track'
strategy
A glimpse of the desolate battlefields of the Korean War - near the site of
Friday's talks on family reunions and aid - highlights how little inter-Korean
reconciliation has progressed since the conflict ended in 1953. The talks come
after a week of mixed messages from Pyongyang that saw it launch a barrage of
short-range missiles, before making a rare apology. - Donald Kirk
(Oct 16, '09)
ADRIFT ON A RUSSIAN ISLAND, Part 2
A political crisis erupts
As the 30,000-strong South Korean community on Russia's Sakhalin Island began
to demand repatriation in the mid-1970s, Soviet authorities scrambled to deal
with a political crisis that threatened to turn into a major embarrassment. A
harsh solution was found, with many of the dissenters sent packing to North
Korea, never to be seen again. - Andrei Lankov
(Oct 16, '09)
This is the concluding article in a two-part report.
PART 1:
Koreans left high and dry
North Korea begins 'Plan C'
As part of a "Plan C", Pyongyang is willing to start acting as a responsible
nuclear power, stop transferring sensitive technology abroad and even help the
Barack Obama administration's goal of global nuclear disarmament, according to
its unofficial spokesman. All it will take is complete US recognition of the
North's nuclear power status, a peace treaty and the establishment of full
diplomatic ties. - Kim Myong Chol (Oct 13,
'09)
Give and take on North Korea
North Korea's Kim Jong-il on Tuesday promised visiting Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao that Pyongyang will return to the six-party talks that the North has
previously spurned. Beijing will take credit for arm-twisting the recalcitrant
North Koreans, while Kim will believe he has played his cards just right. - Donald
Kirk (Oct 6, '09)
North Korea reverts to form
After a fleeting period of cordiality, North Korea has slammed the door on
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's vision of a "grand bargain" to resolve
inter-Korean issues and blasted the United States for a policy of
"confrontation" over the North's nuclear program. Diplomats from Seoul and
Washington are doing their best to smile through the gloom. - Donald Kirk
(Oct 2, '09)
Obama's Korean honeymoon sours
The fact that Iran and North Korea have exchanged nuclear components and
know-how, and that Pyongyang has exported missiles to Iran, inextricably links
them - if not in an "axis of evil", then at least in a military and commercial
alliance. This is not missed by United States President Barack Obama, whose
tough talk could throw cold water on the current US-North Korea honeymoon. - Donald
Kirk (Sep 25, '09)
And then there were two ...
The Barack Obama administration has resolved that there's no harm in beginning
the bilateral dialogue that North Korea has long wanted as a way to get
Pyongyang back into the six-party talks on its nuclear program. This places
Washington on a collision course with South Korea. - Donald Kirk
(Sep 18, '09)
South Korea shows recovery skills
The South Korean economy is charging back into recovery mode, as the country's
consumers make the most of a stimulus package and its factories' products are
bought up to help global inventory restocking. - R M Cutler
(Sep 10, '09)
North Korea's succession gets twisted
Years of speculation over who will succeed North Korean leader Kim Jong-il
seemed to be nearing conclusion in April when his youngest son emerged as the
probable new "Sun of the Nation". Now, after an apparent uptick in the Dear
Leader's health, all talk and songs about "Young General Kim" have come to an
abrupt halt. - Andrei Lankov (Sep 10, '09)
North Korea drops a uranium bombshell
Suspicions that North Korea never halted its uranium nuclear weapons program
have been at the core of United States diplomacy with Pyongyang for years. The
North on Friday officially confirmed these fears, and worse, that enrichment is
in its "final phase". Cornered by tough sanctions and a dire economic
situation, Pyongyang hopes the revelation will hasten one-on-one dialogue with
Washington. - Donald Kirk (Sep 4, '09)
Storm over North Korea-Iran arms vessel
An Australian-owned vessel has been seized by the United Arab Emirates after
North Korean conventional weapons, reportedly destined for Iran, were found in
its cargo marked as "machine parts". The seizure, the result of tough new
United Nation sanctions, could undermine Pyongyang's recent conciliatory
gestures and a glowing report on Tehran's nuclear program. - Donald Kirk
(Aug 31, '09)
Pyongyang plays 'funeral diplomacy'
North Korea's sudden displays of cordiality, such as the delegation sent to
Sunday's funeral of former South Korean president Kim Dae-jung, are more likely
a result of Pyongyang's economic desperation than any desire to end the nuclear
standoff. As equally significant as the North's visit was who the United States
chose for its delegation to honor Kim. - Donald Kirk
(Aug 24, '09)
SPEAKING FREELY
It's all a North Korean plot
North Korea's plan to upset the international community is a well thought out
strategy. The political and military leaders are wary of a succession struggle
and regime collapse if Kim Jong-il passes away. Hence, they are toying with
China-style economic liberalization and nuclear brinkmanship to ward off future
prosecution for human-rights abuses. - Peter Van Nguyen
(Aug 20, '09)
Kim Dae-jung fought for an elusive dream
To the end of his days, 85-year-old Kim Dae-jung backed the "Sunshine" policy
of reconciliation with North Korea that he instituted during his presidency
from 1998 to 2003. Kim, who died on Tuesday, was fighting a losing battle; the
Barack Obama administration's approach to Pyongyang will ensure that "Sunshine"
remains a mirage. - Donald Kirk (Aug 19, '09)
Through the (North Korean) looking glass
The administration of President Barack Obama has in many ways adopted the
policies of George W Bush towards North Korea, even using strikingly similar
rhetoric. There has been a conspicuous difference, however, in the response of
observers. Alice in Wonderland would describe it as "curiouser and curiouser".
Or hypocritical. - Bruce Klingner (Aug 18,
'09)
Freedom comes at a price in Pyongyang
North Korea's release on Thursday of a South Korean worker, like its freeing of
two United States journalists, could signal a shift towards a more conciliatory
line after its atomic bomb and missile tests this year. But it is more likely
the gestures stem from large financial incentives, or from an even greater
motivating factor - pressure from China. - Donald Kirk
(Aug 14, '09)
Finally, laid to rest in Pyongyang
The brother of a British pilot shot down over Pyongyang during
the Korean War was not expecting much help from reclusive North Korea in
locating the fallen airman's remains. He was more than surprised, then, when he
was welcomed by officials for a visit to the well-tended grave near the
capital. - Michael Rank (Aug 13, '09)
South Korea's first rocket ready - at
last
South Korea's first domestically developed rocket is finally scheduled to
launch this month after delays that have strained relations with the Russian
space agency that helped build it. Seoul had few options when choosing a space
ally - the United States refused to help the nation's space program for years,
fearing this would kick-start a regional arms race. - Peter J Brown
(Aug 10, '09)
No hero for Pyongyang's other guests
Former United States president Bill Clinton was able to secure the release of
two American journalists held by North Korea, but the future remains bleak for
an estimated 1,000 South Koreans and up to 20 Japanese in detention there.
Seoul and Tokyo have worked for years for their release, but they simply don't
have the US's sway or resources. - Donald Kirk
(Aug 7, '09)
Dear Leader stars in Bill and Hillary
show
Former United States president Bill Clinton has done his bit by bringing home
American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee, five months after they were
seized for crossing illegally into North Korea. Now it is up the State
Department, led by his wife Hillary, to play its part: North Korean leader Kim
Jong-il certainly wants a reward for his "humanitarian and peace-loving"
gesture. - Donald Kirk (Aug 5, '09)
Pyongyang purges for a new era
A crackdown on anyone perceived as soft towards the United States or South
Korea is reportedly underway in North Korea, with even skilled past negotiators
destined for chicken farms, re-education camps or a public execution. The purge
is a manifestation of a much more sweeping campaign to purify society ahead of
a looming succession crisis. - Donald Kirk (Jul
31, '09)
North Korea sees an opening
Pyongyang is now out in the open with a strategy that may not be as misguided
as it appears. Negotiations to bring home two female American journalists found
guilty of intruding into North Korea may easily segue into the one-on-one
dialogue that North Korea sees as the only way to bypass the six-party talks
while winning serious concessions from the United States. - Donald Kirk
(Jul 28, '09)
Nuclear powers revert to playground
A hissy fit between the United States and North Korea this week, with US
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton calling North Korea's leaders "unruly
teenagers" and Pyongyang saying she is a "primary-school girl", may illustrate
the depth of tensions over their nuclear standoff but does little to resolve
it. - Donald Kirk (Jul 24, '09)
Conflicts in China's North Korea policy
China's indifference to United Nations efforts to block North Korean arms
shipments flies in the face of world opinion and could doom the plan. Beijing
has clear motives: a reunified Korea might recognize United States supremacy in
the region, and if North Korean refugees flood into south China, it could spark
more ethnic separatism. - Cynthia Lee (Jul
20, '09)
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