Moon rules out possibility of war

Journalists raise their hands to ask President Moon Jae-in questions during a press conference at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. Moon took questions freely on various topics of the reporters' choice, differing from his conservative predecessors who gave prepared answers to questions that had been prescreened by the presidential office in advance. / Korea Times photo by Koh Young-kwon

‘Any US military option against N. Korea requires Seoul's consent'

By Kim Rahn

President Moon Jae-in said Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to get South Korea's consent first before using any military options against North Korea, ruling out the possibility of a war on the Korean Peninsula.

In his first press conference held at Cheong Wa Dae, marking the 100th day of his presidency, Moon said he would prevent war here at all costs. The conference came after Pyongyang test-fired an alleged intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and exchanged bellicose rhetoric with Washington.

"I can guarantee you there will be no war here again," Moon said.

Noting that the U.S. and the international community have recently agreed on stronger sanctions on North Korea, he said, "The measures were aimed at preventing war, and pressuring Pyongyang to come to the negotiation table through heavy sanctions."

Moon also dismissed concerns that Washington may use military options against Pyongyang without Seoul's agreement. "Nobody can make a decision on military action on the peninsula without South Korea's consent," he said. "President Trump also said whatever option he would use, he would fully discuss it with South Korea and seek its consent beforehand. It is a firm agreement between South Korea and the U.S."

Moon said even if the U.S. plans to take military action against North Korea outside the peninsula, he is sure that Washington will discuss it with Seoul fully in advance if the action is likely to raise tension in inter-Korean relations. "I believe this is in the spirit of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," he said.

Moon added that Seoul and Washington have the same stance and goal: to prevent North Korea from making further provocations and make it return to negotiations through strong sanctions and pressure.

Regarding Trump's bellicose rhetoric toward the Kim Jong-un regime including phrases such as "fire and fury," Moon said, "Trump is showing his resolution to pressure Pyongyang. I don't think his comments necessarily indicate his intention to carry out military action. I'm telling you that Seoul and Washington are fully communicating with each other."

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The President said North Korea would be crossing a red line if it completes weaponizing an ICBM with a nuclear warhead, adding Pyongyang is nearing that line. "If the North undertakes further provocations, it will face even stronger sanctions which it will not be able to withstand."

He said the two Koreas should be able to start dialogue when the North stops its provocations. "And in the right circumstances, I may consider sending a special envoy to Pyongyang if it is helpful to improve the relationship and resolve the nuclear issue."

Constitutional amendment

Moon said he would keep his earlier promise to put a Constitutional revision in a referendum alongside the June 13 local elections in 2018, saying a National Assembly special committee has been working on the issue already.

During his election campaign, he said he would seek an amendment to limit presidential power, empower local autonomous bodies, reform election rules and boost basic human rights.

"The nation may need more discussion on the presidential power limitation, but I think there is a social consensus on strengthening local autonomy and boosting basic human rights. These issues can be dealt with first in the referendum alongside the local elections," he said.

About the possibility of tax hikes to cover expanded welfare programs, Moon said he may seek hikes if a social consensus is formed, but added the government can find enough money for the programs through the already announced new taxation plan — raising tax rates for the super-rich and big money-making companies.

Regarding a question why South Korea has raised the compensation issue of forced laborers under Japanese colonial rule after the two countries "settled" the issue through a 1965 settlement agreement, Moon said an agreement between countries cannot infringe on individuals' rights.

"We have precedents set by the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court that forced laborers still have the right to pursue civil suits against their employers," he said. "But I'm stressing that the history issue should not block future-oriented relations between the two countries."

Moon said his plan for a nuclear-free energy policy will be carried out gradually, dismissing concerns that halting nuclear reactor construction will lead to power shortages and electricity fee hikes.

"I plan to shut down reactors one by one when their lifespan expires," he said, adding recently built reactors have a lifespan of 60 years, so an entire nuclear-free energy program will be available in 60 years. "During that time, we can find alternative energy sources."

Participating in the conference were 189 local and 28 foreign journalists. They asked questions freely without prior coordination with Cheong Wa Dae officials, and the President made impromptu answers without a script.