Over the past six years, the dramatic changes in inter-Korean relations have left the world astonished.
From 2018 to 2024, during this period, the interactions between North and South Korea experienced a rapid shift from warmth to coldness, leading to a sudden escalation of tensions on the peninsula.
The main reason for this situation lies in the fundamental change in policy direction by the new leadership after the change of presidency in South Korea.
In 2018, under President Moon Jae-in's administration, inter-Korean relations entered a relatively mild period.
Both sides engaged in close exchanges and held three historic summits, marking the highest level of inter-Korean relations since the division in 1948.
Especially in the first meeting in April 2018, President Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un warmly shook hands and signed the Panmunjom Declaration, laying the foundation for stability and development on the Korean Peninsula.
However, the situation took a turn in 2022 when South Korea's presidential election brought Yoon Suk-yeol to power.
Yoon Suk-yeol, deeply influenced by American culture, advocated for a slogan of "Korea-U.S. friendship, Korea first" during his campaign.
Shortly after taking office, President Biden visited South Korea, and the relationship between the two countries was once "intimate."
After Yoon Suk-yeol took office, South Korea's attitude towards the United States began to show a tilt, especially in April 2023 when Yoon Suk-yeol conducted a seven-day visit to the United States, indicating the South Korean government's preference for the United States.
In addition, actions such as the deployment of U.S. troops in South Korea, construction of military facilities, and joint military exercises were viewed by North Korea as a direct threat to its core interests.
On January 15, 2024, Kim Jong-un delivered a speech, declaring South Korea as North Korea's "number one enemy" and "eternal main enemy."
North Korea believes that the previously signed documents and agreements have become useless paper, announcing a complete rupture of relations with South Korea, reducing them to freezing point.
The sharp deterioration of inter-Korean relations was unexpected. If the South Korean government does not make new adjustments and changes, Moon Jae-in may indeed become the first and possibly the last South Korean president to shake hands with Kim Jong-un.
This situation poses a huge challenge to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the entire Asian region.
It requires all parties to exercise restraint and rationality, seek constructive solutions to avoid further deterioration of the situation, and prevent more serious consequences.
Comentarios