By Jun Ji-hye
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed willingness to improve relations with South Korea during his New Year message, as evidenced by a reference to the possibility of holding an inter-Korean summit.
Experts say his remarks regarding South-North relations were more straightforward and detailed than ever this year. They noted that, similar to President Park Geun-hye, Kim is apparently placing great significance on the year 2015, which marks the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule.
"The two Koreas need to write a new history in their relations. A big shift and revolution through communication, negotiation and contact is necessary for such relations. I will make every effort toward that end," Kim said.
During last year's message, Kim used the somewhat vague expression that he would create an "atmosphere" to improve inter-Korean relations.
Park Young-ho, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, cited that the 70th anniversary of liberation is as meaningful for the North as it is for the South. He also noted that the deepening isolation of the reclusive state in international society has led Kim to express a firm will to improve Seoul-Pyongyang relations.
"For the North, it is a good chance to propagate Kim Il-sung's anti-Japanese fight during the Japanese colonial era," he said. "Plus, the state's isolation in the global village has worsened following the United Nations' adoption of a resolution against its human rights conditions. These two factors probably led to his reconciliatory expressions."
The late Kim Il-sung is the founder of North Korea and the grandfather of the young leader.
Kim's message came a few days after President Park stressed the need for efforts to lay the groundwork for the unification of the two Koreas, raising cautious optimism over a thawing of their icy relations.
The analyst said that Pyongyang's next move would depend on Seoul resuming a tour project to Mt. Geumgang and lifting the May 24 sanctions.
"The North obviously wants these changed as they are directly related to its economic affairs. It wants the South to take a step forward regarding the two issues," he said.
During his speech, Kim cited the need to improve the livelihood of North Koreans, saying, "The people's life should develop, including their food."
Cheong Seong-chang, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute, said the two Koreas should make a landmark breakthrough in their relationship within the year. "Otherwise, they will face difficulties in bids to enhance ties," he said.
"Civic groups launching of balloons containing banknotes and accusations against the Kim regime from the Demilitarized Zone could be a setback for such a mission. Seoul will have to find a proper solution to the matter," he said.
During his message, Kim also condemned regular joint defense drills of South Korea and the U.S. for heightening tension on the Korean Peninsula.
He demanded Washington end its "anachronistic hostile" policy toward Pyongyang.
"It is needless to say that in a tense mood amid such war-preparatory exercises, trust-based dialogue can't be possible, and North-South relations can't move forward," Kim said.
Kim added his regime will stick to its "military-first" policy and the strategy of simultaneously developing the economy and its nuclear program.
"We will deal resolutely with any provocation and war moves that infringe on our sovereignty and dignity, and take punitive steps," he said.
Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed willingness to improve relations with South Korea during his New Year message, as evidenced by a reference to the possibility of holding an inter-Korean summit.
Experts say his remarks regarding South-North relations were more straightforward and detailed than ever this year. They noted that, similar to President Park Geun-hye, Kim is apparently placing great significance on the year 2015, which marks the 70th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japan's colonial rule.
"The two Koreas need to write a new history in their relations. A big shift and revolution through communication, negotiation and contact is necessary for such relations. I will make every effort toward that end," Kim said.
During last year's message, Kim used the somewhat vague expression that he would create an "atmosphere" to improve inter-Korean relations.
Park Young-ho, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, cited that the 70th anniversary of liberation is as meaningful for the North as it is for the South. He also noted that the deepening isolation of the reclusive state in international society has led Kim to express a firm will to improve Seoul-Pyongyang relations.
"For the North, it is a good chance to propagate Kim Il-sung's anti-Japanese fight during the Japanese colonial era," he said. "Plus, the state's isolation in the global village has worsened following the United Nations' adoption of a resolution against its human rights conditions. These two factors probably led to his reconciliatory expressions."
The late Kim Il-sung is the founder of North Korea and the grandfather of the young leader.
Kim's message came a few days after President Park stressed the need for efforts to lay the groundwork for the unification of the two Koreas, raising cautious optimism over a thawing of their icy relations.
The analyst said that Pyongyang's next move would depend on Seoul resuming a tour project to Mt. Geumgang and lifting the May 24 sanctions.
"The North obviously wants these changed as they are directly related to its economic affairs. It wants the South to take a step forward regarding the two issues," he said.
During his speech, Kim cited the need to improve the livelihood of North Koreans, saying, "The people's life should develop, including their food."
Cheong Seong-chang, a senior researcher at the Sejong Institute, said the two Koreas should make a landmark breakthrough in their relationship within the year. "Otherwise, they will face difficulties in bids to enhance ties," he said.
"Civic groups launching of balloons containing banknotes and accusations against the Kim regime from the Demilitarized Zone could be a setback for such a mission. Seoul will have to find a proper solution to the matter," he said.
During his message, Kim also condemned regular joint defense drills of South Korea and the U.S. for heightening tension on the Korean Peninsula.
He demanded Washington end its "anachronistic hostile" policy toward Pyongyang.
"It is needless to say that in a tense mood amid such war-preparatory exercises, trust-based dialogue can't be possible, and North-South relations can't move forward," Kim said.
Kim added his regime will stick to its "military-first" policy and the strategy of simultaneously developing the economy and its nuclear program.
"We will deal resolutely with any provocation and war moves that infringe on our sovereignty and dignity, and take punitive steps," he said.
Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye
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