By Kim Hyo-jin
The Park Geun-hye administration’s tough policies toward North Korea may lose momentum following the influence-peddling scandal involving her longtime confidant Choi Soon-sil, analysts said Sunday.
With scandal-hit Park losing her grip on state affairs, the government’s hard-line stance on the North could go adrift for the remainder of her presidency.
“North Korea policies including measures against its nuclear program can gain steam when the government secures public support and international cooperation,” said Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies.
“Without public support for the government’s management in state affairs, it’s doubtful if international support would follow. Park’s hard-line policies will inevitably come to an impasse.”
Park has led the hawkish drive on the North while seeking toughest-ever domestic and international sanctions to stymie the reclusive country’s nuclear ambition following its fifth nuclear test in September.
She has pushed for the move to deploy a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in the southeast part of the country, stressing the need to better defend the country with the anti-missile system.
Despite the domestic backlash and China’s opposition, the government has shown an unwavering stance on the issue, reflecting the President’s firm willingness.
Also, the Ministry of National Defense is expected to resume negotiations with Japan to sign a bilateral agreement on sharing intelligence on North Korea.
The signing of the so-called General Security of Military Intelligence Agreement (GSOMIA) is aimed at sharing classified military intelligence. Pundits point out that its resumption clearly reflects that Park prioritizes cooperation with the U.S. and Japan when implementing North Korea policies.
“A THAAD deployment requires President Park to seek cooperation from Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. And regarding GSOMIA, Park was supposed to take the lead in guiding the administration to prevent disharmony with Japan in the negotiation process,” said Park Won-gon, an international relations professor at Handong University.
“It was high time for the national leader to show strong leadership in talks with neighboring countries. But with the leadership vacuum, the existing diplomatic policies will be left adrift.”
Park also expressed concerns that the current situation could have an influence on adjusting North Korea policies with the U.S.
The new U.S. leadership is expected to map out policies toward North Korea but it remains doubtful whether Seoul can play an initiative role in the process, he noted.
Park’s approval rating hit a record low this week with 14 percent amid public outcry following the scandal that her close confidant Choi with no official posting has intervened in state affairs.
Thousands took to the streets Saturday, demanding she be held responsible for the scandal and step down.