What we`d like to hear from Pres. Park on N. Korea’s 4th nuclear test

South Korean President Park Geun-hye is to hold a dialogue with the public on the recent developments regarding North Korea’s 4th nuclear test. On last Wednesday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un dared the 4th nuclear test, President Park strongly condemned the North, stressing that the regime must be held responsible by the international community. The dialogue should include an elaboration on her comment and changes in the policy direction after the recent nuclear test.

First and foremost, the public is curious whether there is any concrete strategy to make the North “pay a commensurable price.” The UN Security Council has begun discussions on imposing sanctions against North Korea, but China is still opposed to heavy sanctions. South Korean Foreign Minister Yoon Byung-se praised Seoul-Beijing relationship that the two countries’ leaders are now comfortable having dialogues on sensitive issues, such as the nuclear issue and the future of the Korean Peninsula. But Park has not even had an over-the-phone discussion with Xi Jinping. Some explain that Xi rarely talks with his counterparts through a phone call, but either way President Park should tell us her strategy for drawing China’s cooperation.

Second, the government made a self-evaluation in August last year that it had been seeking substantial progress in North Korea’s nuclear issue through strong deterrence, constant pressure by the international community, and efforts to resume the dialog. This turned out to be overestimated. The president should tell the public how she will hold those responsible for the failure of the policy toward North Korea during her remaining term, and present a new blueprint of Korea’s foreign policy.

Third, the Korean public wants to be sure that South Korea can take the lead in the North Korea issue. The South has never held the North fully accountable for its direct violation of the joint statement on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. If Kim Jong Un claims that he will only deal with the issue by talking to the U.S. and refuses to have any dialog with the Korean government, what plan does the president has to take back the helm?

Fourth, some argue that South Korea should also arm itself with nuclear weapons, emphasizing that it is the only way to confront North Korea’s nuclearization. However, such an idea is not feasible given that it goes against the consensus of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and that it might lead to diplomatic and economic isolation of South Korea. Seoul is neither in a position to choose nuclear over KOR-US alliance, so the public should know what the president have in her mind?

Lastly, it is doubtful if the South Korean government is ready and determined to resolving the issue even if it means a war in the worst case. Kim is threatening that he is not hesitant to wage a war. Constant sanctions and pressure against the regime always bears the possibility of severe military conflicts.

Korea is faced with an imminent threat, which requires a leadership of integration. Park should sincerely ask the opposition leaders for cooperation. If the president answers the questions by the press candidly and sincerely, all Koreans will understand her commitment toward the issue. The eyes of the whole world, including the North, will be looking at her today.