Unveiling Kim Jong-un’s 2018 Stance on Denuclearization: A Deep Dive into a Pivotal Meeting
A significant meeting in Pyongyang in March 2018, involving North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and a South Korean delegation, has resurfaced, offering a detailed glimpse into the North Korean leader’s expressed intentions regarding denuclearization. These revelations come from Democratic Party of Korea Rep. Yoon Geon-young, who was part of the delegation and is set to publish a memoir titled ‘Inter-Korean Truce Village of Panmunjom Project’ on the 21st, which elaborates on these critical exchanges.
During this pivotal period, often characterized by a “spring breeze of peace,” Rep. Yoon asserts that Kim Jong-un’s discourse was unequivocally centered on denuclearization. The North Korean leader reportedly articulated his situation and stance with notable passion, leading Rep. Yoon to believe at the time that Kim’s intent was “clear and definite,” a sentiment that might contrast with present-day perceptions of his commitment.
Key Declarations on Denuclearization and Military Posturing
Rep. Yoon recounts several striking statements made by Kim Jong-un during the meeting and a subsequent dinner. Among the most significant declarations were:
- A Reluctance to Inherit Nuclear Weapons: Kim Jong-un purportedly stated, “I do not wish to pass down nuclear weapons to my children,” a deeply personal sentiment that underscores a potential desire for a future free from nuclear proliferation within his lineage.
- Acceptance of US-South Korea Joint Military Exercises: In a pre-dinner discussion, Kim Jong-un indicated a willingness to allow the US-South Korea joint military exercises to proceed as usual in April. He expressed a desire to cease causing further trouble for then-President Moon Jae-in, revealing that he and Vice Chairman Kim Yong-chol had engaged in extensive deliberations about raising demands concerning the exercises. “Let us no longer discuss the joint exercise,” he reportedly concluded.
- Commitment to Halting Nuclear Activities: The North Korean leader explicitly stated, “We will not conduct additional nuclear tests or launches.” He further emphasized, “We have no intention of using nuclear weapons or conventional forces, such as long-range artillery deployed in the front line, against our compatriots.”
- Upholding Denuclearization Principles: Kim Jong-un reaffirmed that the principle of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, as laid out in the will of Chairman Kim Il-sung, remained unchanged. He posited that if military threats were eliminated and a secure environment was established under the armistice system, North Korea would have no reason to possess nuclear weapons.
Rep. Yoon described the atmosphere during these exchanges as “shocking,” noting that delegates exchanged glances multiple times as Kim Jong-un spoke “without hesitation, as if he had thoroughly prepared in advance.”
A Call for Dialogue and Cultural Exchange
Beyond the security and denuclearization discussions, Kim Jong-un also expressed a clear understanding of the interconnectedness of inter-Korean relations and public opinion in the South. He reportedly remarked, “The necessity of US-North Korea dialogue is clear. The root cause of the nuclear issue must be diagnosed from its historical origins to formulate a clear solution,” drawing an analogy: “Going to an ophthalmologist won’t cure a toothache.” This highlights his view that superficial solutions would not address the fundamental complexities of the nuclear issue.
In a move to foster goodwill and potentially influence Southern public perception, Kim Jong-un proposed cultural exchanges. He suggested, “What if a taekwondo demonstration team and an art troupe visit Pyongyang for performances during the joint exercise period?” This initiative aimed to leverage cultural diplomacy to build bridges and create a more favorable atmosphere.
A Desire for Direct Engagement and Personal Connection
Kim Jong-un also actively responded to the prospect of an inter-Korean summit, stating, “Let the two leaders meet and resolve it.” This indicates a preference for direct leadership-level engagement to overcome obstacles and find resolutions.
As the meeting drew to a close, Kim Jong-un reportedly made a personal plea, “I don’t want to be remembered as an inhuman person. Believe me,” a statement that seemed to convey a desire for his actions and intentions to be understood and believed.
Further illustrating a nascent interest in inter-Korean integration and a touch of personal curiosity, Kim Jong-un shared during the dinner, “I would like to ride the KTX if I get the chance.” He also referenced a South Korean idiom, noting, “I heard from our delegation that in your expression, it’s called ‘eyes popping out,’” a lighthearted remark that offered a glimpse into his engagement with South Korean culture and language.
These accounts from Rep. Yoon Geon-young provide a valuable historical record, shedding light on a critical juncture in inter-Korean relations and offering a nuanced perspective on Kim Jong-un’s expressed perspectives on denuclearization and peace in 2018.
