Drastic Shift in Policies between North and South Korea
As North Korea’s stance on inter-Korean relations shifted to a “relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war”, Korea is now in a state of military preparation for war. Just in case South Korea and the rest of the world did not seriously receive this drastic message, North Korea recently demolished the Arch of Unification in Pyongyang on January 24, 2024.
This symbolic monument was located at the entrance to the capital city of Pyongyang. A large archway facing the southern highway heading towards the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that connected North Korea to the South and welcomed travelers into the city limits.
Officially known as the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification, the arch consisted of twin women holding a map of a unified Korea. The women were identical in stature and construction. They represented the two sister nations of Korea: the South and the North. The monument was opened in 2001 to commemorate Korea unification principles put forward by the founding leader, which consisted of Three Principles for National Reunification (from Discovering Joy: Ten Years in North Korea).
Arch of Unification in Pyongyang, North Korea
Our family visited the Arch of Reunification several times. It was a favorite spot for guests to visit when they came for the first time. What I liked most about the monument, though, was that it demonstrated North Korea’s passion to unify the Korean nation. North Korea’s passion for unification was unparalleled in South Korea. No such monument existed in South Korea.
Up until just recently, North Korea remained comparatively consistent in its policies toward reunification compared to the changing policies with each administration in South Korea. Deep in the hearts of North Koreans, whether young or old, was a drive for unification.
But now North Korea has made efforts to limit their people’s access to South Korean people and culture since new laws began to be passed back in December 2020. With recent legal changes in North Korea, the words “unification”, “peace”, and “reconciliation” have been omitted from North Korean policy. North Korea is no longer seeking peace or unification with the South. Demolition of the Arch of Unification made that clear.
Ariel View of the Demolition of the Arch of Unification
Instead of continuing diplomatic attempts which have by-in-large ended in failure, North Korea has abandoned talks with the United States and South Korea. When South Korea, the United States, and Japan formed a three-state alliance to promote stability within east Asia, North Korea responded in kind by forming an alliance with Russia.
Just recently on February 9th, a Russian tour group arrived in Pyongyang to tour the capital city and ski the slopes at Masik Ski Resort near the city of Wonsan. These tourists from the Far East region of Vladivostok are the first group to enter North Korea since borders closed due to COVID at the end of January in 2020. Borders have yet to reopen for other foreigners as North Korean citizens abroad continue to return home. Apparently, North Korea is solidifying their special relationship with Russia.
It is unclear when North Korea’s borders will reopen for other nationalities. With approximately 80,000 North Koreans working and studying abroad, it will take considerable time for the country to bring all its citizens home.
Negatively shifting policies are not only in the North but also in South Korea, as well. South Korean administrative support for the Ministry of Unification has drastically declined. Program budgets and personnel have been significantly downsized within the ministry. Bureaus in the Ministry of Unification originally consisted of offices for inter-Korean dialogues with North Korea, bureaus for unification policy, humanitarian cooperation, and inter-Korean exchanges and consultation, but most of these prior functions have now come to a complete halt.
The situation on the Korean Peninsula is worthy of grave concern. North and South Korea have been frozen in an indefinite state of war for the past 73 years. As violence and war escalates around the world, the Korean Peninsula could be the next major threat to global stability. The best step forward is to work towards reducing military aggression and re-engaging in diplomatic dialogue. Contact your state representatives to advocate for an end to the Korean War.