April 27, 2024
Analysis

Time is running out: Moon Jae-in’s North Korea goals are looking more unlikely

Experts say that South Korea is paralyzed by its conflicting goals of boosting defense and wooing Pyongyang

South Korean President Moon Jae-in carved out a significant chunk of his 2021 New Year's speech to promoting “a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula” and assuring North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that he’ll meet “at any time and any place.” 

But Pyongyang has made it clear that it’s unhappy with Seoul: The leader’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, slammed the South for being a “truly weird group” and an "idiot" through state media on Wednesday. Days prior, Kim Jong Un reportedly said that relations are back to the pre-Panmunjom Declaration days in a state media report about the country’s now-finished Eighth Party Congress. 

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.