By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

Nothing we experience in the world happens without meaning, and the current situation in North Korea is no exception. North Korea may seem sad and pitiful when viewed fragmentarily, but when viewed in the context of human history, the future, and the entire Korean Peninsula, it takes on a different meaning.

Right now, North Korea is pushed to the brink in order to survive. North Korea is in a position where she has to make any choice to survive, and this desperation has forced the country to cooperate with Russia. This is because Russia is the only country that can help it right now. Condemning this situation or reacting emotionally to North Korea's choices will only make it more difficult to solve the problem.

South Korea has been in a similar situation in the past. When South Korea was a weaker country, it fought in the Vietnam War because of its relationship with the United States. It wasn't South Korea's war, but international relations and the need for survival forced it to participate, and many young men and women made sacrifices. However, these sacrifices laid the economic foundations for the country and helped build the country into what it is today.

North Korea is doing the best it can with the situation it is in, and these choices are a necessary consequence of its survival. The choices are not simply diplomatic judgments, but out of desperation for survival.

The only solution is the unification of the Korean Peninsula

The only way to resolve all of this is reunification. Without it, things will continue to go badly for both South Korea and North Korea. The reunification process may bring more conflict and difficulties, but it is a necessary step towards unity. The most important thing is to warmly welcome North Koreans after reunification, recognize their sacrifices, and build a new future together.

North Korea is our brother, not our enemy. To understand this, we need to look at the historical context of the Korean Peninsula. Since the division of Korea at the 38th parallel, South Korea has grown by absorbing culture and knowledge from the international community, while North Korea has acted as a shield under communism, giving South Korea time to grow in a liberal democracy. The North Koreans have sacrificed themselves by preventing invasions from neighboring countries, allowing for the stability and growth of South Korea.

Moving forward, we must recognize and honor these sacrifices and contributions by building on the progress we have made. If we simply demand reunification without understanding the hardships they have endured, or if we treat them with hostility while ignoring their sacrifices, they are unlikely to accept it. Our people have a strong sense of pride and stubbornness that says, “We will not surrender even if we are killed.” Therefore, how and who will convince and lead North Korea to change this attitude is a very important task.

Our attitude towards unification

Currently, the Korean Peninsula is on the verge of reunification. Even if the reunification process requires some sacrifices, South Koreans must remain steadfast, understand North Korea's difficulties, and move forward together. North Korea's difficulties are the result of its leaders not doing their job, but we must not forget that our brothers are making great sacrifices.

We must no longer regard North Korea as an enemy or despise it, but rather approach it with care and love. Only this attitude will pave the way for reunification and bring peace and prosperity to the entire Korean Peninsula.