Forum discusses reunification challenges between two Koreas amid growing tensions

SEOUL, November 5 (AJP) - An inaugural forum brought together dozens of experts and hundreds of participants in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province last week.

Hosted by the Ajou Institute of Unification in cooperation with the provincial government, the forum discussed peace and security on the Korean Peninsula while raising awareness of reunification between the two Koreas.

"Despite challenges posed by the North's provocations including repeated missile launches, the province aims to prioritize peace," said Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon. He also pledged his commitment to discussions related to reunification.

The forum especially focused on North Korea's recent redefinition of South Korea as a "hostile state" amid recent inter-Korean tensions, emphasizing the need for a new approach to discussions related to reunification.

"The forum offered valuable insights into how North Korea's hostile moves affect locals in the province," said Lee Wang-hwi, a professor at the institute. He also expressed concerns over the North's deepening relationship with Russia including its troop deployment to support Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Lee called for continued support for the institute, which has been instrumental in North Korea-related studies in the province over the past decade. He also pledged to develop strategies to improve inter-Korean relations and promote reunification.