Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
'No likelihood of North Korea collapse with Kim in complete control'
Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris speaks with The Korea Times at the ambassadorial residence in Seoul, Jan. 20, his last day in office. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
By Yi Whan-woo
By Yi Whan-woo
Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Harry Harris said North Korea is not likely to collapse in the next several years, noting Kim Jong-un is in “complete control” over the repressive state.
“I think they're doing okay. There's challenges up there but I don't see a likelihood (of collapse) in the next several years,” he told The Korea Times on his last day at the office, Jan 20. “I believe that we should not count on the collapse of North Korea.”
Harris accompanied then-President Donald Trump to Panmunjeom in June 2019 for a snap summit with Kim, also joined by President Moon Jae-in.
The ambassador said Kim is believed to be “in complete control of his country” and that he has “total power.”
He urged to continue trying for dialogue with the North, which, in turn, should do “something about the nuclear program.”
“They can have a broader economic future with their people … I believe that opportunity has been laid at the feet of Chairman Kim and it's up to him to walk through that door that is open for him.”
Regarding the alliance with South Korea, Harris affirmed, despite some disagreements, it is “strong, ironclad and holding.”
“It's a model for others to see,” he said.
Accordingly, he said the joint military exercises are “imperative” and that restoring large-scale drills will be important.
He noted the combined exercises have been downsized with consensus from the Korean and U.S. sides amid both countries' peace gestures toward the North.
“As we continue to exercise together, U.S. and ROK, so that we can be in a position to strengthen this country, if we have to,” he said. “Hopefully we don't have to. But ultimately if we have to, we need to train.”