North Korea is reportedly conducting ideological training for its military to instill hostility towards South Korea. In contrast, President Lee Jae-myung has officially proposed discussions on ending the war, highlighting a stark divergence in messages from both Koreas.
According to recent reports from the North Korean-focused media outlet RFA, an internal source revealed on August 12 that "ideological training to foster hostility towards South Korea is being conducted across the military." The source added, "Kim Jong-un's intention is that the conflict with South Korea must be resolved through military means."
Reports suggest that North Korea is also instilling this anti-South sentiment among its citizens.
Conversely, a contrasting message has emerged from South Korea. In a Liberation Day speech on August 15, President Lee stated, "We will embark on a journey to transform the unstable armistice system on the Korean Peninsula into a peace system," and proposed initiating discussions among the parties involved to end the long-standing war. He also indicated that discussions on ending the war could lead to effective measures to halt North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
The government's proposal aims to reduce mutual threats between the two Koreas and promote peaceful coexistence while initiating dialogue to transition from an armistice to a peace system. Since last year, President Lee has emphasized respect for the North Korean regime, the exclusion of absorption unification, and the prohibition of hostile actions as key principles in dealing with North Korea.
Opposition parties have raised security concerns regarding President Lee's proposal to end the war. The People Power Party criticized it as "a pathetic plea for peace that disarms us," while lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo argued that a peace agreement not predicated on denuclearization could lead to the acknowledgment of North Korea's nuclear arsenal, advocating for the strengthening of nuclear deterrence.
As of now, North Korea has not issued any official response to President Lee's proposal for discussions on ending the war. Kim Jong-un was reported to have attended events in Pyongyang on Liberation Day.
Online, reactions criticizing the government's North Korea policy have surged. Netizens expressed sentiments such as, "We are begging for peace even after witnessing the destruction of the inter-Korean liaison office," and "This regime is compromised by the North due to the remittance scandal," among other criticisms.
Further comments included, "With declining approval ratings, they are resorting to desperate measures," and "Isn't it obvious what North Korea wants? Guarantees for its regime, economic support, a reduction in U.S.-South Korea joint exercises, and easing of sanctions?"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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