By Kim Tae-jong
Most North Korean defectors reacted positively to the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, hoping his passing would provide fresh momentum to improve the relationship between the two Koreas.
“I think the death will bring huge changes to North Korean society, in a very positive way,” said Choi Ji-soo, who defected to Seoul two years ago. “I think it can also help shorten the time to achieve reunification.”
Another defector Kwon Young-jin said not only North Korean defectors here but also those in the North probably hail the death of the dictator.
“North Koreans wouldn’t or can’t explicitly express they are happy for the death, but they are definitely shouting for joy in their mind,” Kwon said. “It is the best news that I have heard since I came here in 2008.”
Many defectors here shared the news with other North Korean defectors by sending text messages, he said.
Groups of North Korean defectors also expressed their hope that the death will bring a positive impact on their impoverished nation where their family and friends lead a hard life.
“It’s hard to say what will happen at the moment,” said Kim Heung-kwang, founder of the North Korea Intellectuals Solidarity. “But North Korea may take a less tough or firm stance on the outside world than the time when Kim Jong-il was alive.”
Kim Young-il, executive director of People for Successful Corean Reunification, said the death of the leader may bring unexpected results.
“Since the dictator died, North Korean society will go through many drastic changes,” said Kim “For example, a lot of people may try to leave the country, which makes the country unstable.”
He also said that North Korea may do “something very extreme” such as push forward the plan to develop nuclear weapons and therefore the South Korean government should take necessary countermeasures.
“What worries us is the passive stance that the South Korean government may take. The government should do something before North Korea stabilizes once again and successfully strengthens its dictatorship through Kim Jong-il’s son.”