Regarding the statement made by North Korean Workers’ Party Vice Minister Kim Yo-jong on the 15th in which she mentioned the possibility of Prime Minister Kishida visiting North Korea, experts in Japan interpreted it as an intention to shake up the relationship between Korea, the United States, and Japan.
Shunji Hiraiwa, a professor at Nanzan University and a North Korea expert, told NHK on the 16th that North Korea “means that it wants to shake up (the relationship between the three countries) by approaching Japan, which has a special situation called the abduction issue, unlike South Korea and the United States.”
He said, “Regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Korea, the United States, and Japan held a summit meeting last year to strengthen solidarity. He also pointed out the phenomenon, saying, “They deny peaceful unification with Korea and the relationship is very tense.”
Regarding the fact that the younger brother of Kim Jong-un, the secretary general of the Workers’ Party of Korea, unusually issued a statement against Japan, he analyzed that “it can appeal as a message closer to the center of power.”
In addition, Professor Hiraiwa said in his statement that North Korea repeated its previous view that the abduction issue had “already been resolved,” saying, “Unfortunately, they do not seem to be willing to actively improve relations with Japan, even by making concessions.” . “From Japan’s perspective, changing North Korea’s previous attitude will be the number one goal,” he pointed out.
NHK reported that even within the Japanese government, opinions on the statement are divided. Opinions vary, such as “North Korea’s position that the kidnapping issue has been resolved has not changed and it is nothing more than a check,” and “It is a move to create a rift between the three countries that are linked in relation to the North Korean issue: Korea, the United States, and Japan.” It is interpreted clearly.
Meanwhile, a government official said, “Prime Minister Kishida is sending a positive message for the North Korea-Japan talks, and he may be trying to see how Japan comes out.”
The Japanese government is currently collecting and analyzing information, saying it is necessary to carefully judge the intent contained in Vice Minister Kim Yo-jong’s statement.
Previously, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives on the 5th, “We will directly conduct high-level consultations to realize a summit meeting with Secretary-General Kim,” and added, “The Prime Minister will work to ensure the return of all North Korean kidnapped victims to Korea as soon as possible.” He expressed his intention to visit North Korea, saying, “I have a strong determination to do my best as a leader.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.