April 27, 2024
Analysis

Missed diplomatic opportunity? South Korea’s unilateral North Korea sanctions

Seoul's "May 24" measures remain in place, despite Moon's efforts to improve ties

Despite South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s eagerness for inter-Korean reconciliation, North Korea’s demolition of the joint liaison office in June showed how little Pyongyang has grown to care about relations with Seoul.

For Kim Jong Un, the inter-Korean summits of 2018 resulted in little more than lofty goals and flowery rhetoric. Large-scale infrastructure projects, massive South Korean tourism projects and significant inflows of finance never became more than ink on paper.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.