Congratulatory Remarks by H.E. Yun Byung-se
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Launching Ceremony of the Peninsula Club
February 18, 2014

Your Excellencies, and
Colleagues,

This is a very special ceremony. Unlike many other ceremonies organized by the Foreign Ministry, today’s ceremony brought together representatives of countries that share one common interest – to better understand North Korea.

As all of you vividly remember, nearly one year ago from today, North Korea staged its third nuclear test against stern warnings from the international community and engaged in a series of threats and provocations unprecedented in terms of scale. North Korea was widely criticized by the world media for its open threat against foreigners residing in South Korea and even the diplomatic corps in Pyongyang.

The execution of Jang Seong-taek that came a few months later only intensified the uncertainty in North Korea. In particular, the way in which the execution was carried out shocked the international community.

It also gave rise to the notion that there is a need to look into various issues related to North Korea such as the nuclear issue, the provocations, and the human rights issue in a holistic manner.

Furthermore, beyond establishing a sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula, there is a need for us to begin the discussion on the subject of the future of the Peninsula.

On this note, I am sure that there is a lot of interest in knowing the thoughts behind President Park Geun-hye’s remarks on the “unification bonanza,” and how the unification will benefit countries around the region.

On the other hand, last Friday, the two Koreas met at a senior official level for the first time in 7 years and came to an agreement on some pending issues including the much anticipated reunion of the separated families.

We are all very much hoping to see this agreement be honored, so that it may become the first step in building confidence between the two Koreas. As such, there is much anticipation on how the agreement will be carried out and whether the senior-level inter-Korean talks will continue.

What we should not forget however, is that amidst of such changes, North Korea remains adamant on its position to simultaneously pursue its nuclear arsenal and economic development.

Dear Colleagues,

As you can see from the path we have taken over the course of the last year, the Korean Peninsula faces a mixture of crisis as well as a small window of opportunities. Not only must we cope with the immediate problems, but we must also take into consideration the problems of tomorrow.

Under such circumstances, I believe that we must reinvent how we work, so that we can better cope with the complicated problems facing the Korean Peninsula today.

In fact, the Foreign Ministry has long sought advices from many of you present here today on various issues about North Korea, as they arose. On your part, I understand that you have an informal meeting called “the Pyongyang Club” amongst resident Ambassadors in Seoul with portfolio on Pyongyang.

However, given the complexity of the North Korean issue today, such segmented and intermittent channels of communication may not be sufficient.
It is for this reason that we have invited you to this Club to begin a more systematic dialogue between you, the Ambassadors and the Foreign Ministry, including myself.

We are hoping that by engaging in a more efficient two-way communication, we can broaden and refine our understanding on North Korea, so that we may design a better, constructive method of cooperation.

To this end, first, I propose that this forum be convened regularly. By providing a periodic opportunity to meet and to engage in a discussion, I hope that this forum will give us a more strategic perspective on North Korea.

Second, let us also meet as need arises, so that we can forge a stronger and more effective front against future challenges.

Third, let us meet at a variety of levels, from Director Generals to Vice Foreign Ministers, and even myself, as needed. This way, we can engage in a deeper and richer discussion, covering anything from technical details to broader policy directions.

Finally, I hope that we can share insights on not only the immediate issues facing us today, but also on issues of medium and long-term concerns.

Given the uncertainties of the day, we are very much aware of the importance of cooperation with our sights set on the future ahead. This is all the more important for a divided nation, as the experience of Germany has taught us.

By strengthening cooperation with neighbors and regional countries, West Germany successfully induced transformation of East Germany, paving the way to the Germany of today, the foundation for European integration and global peace and prosperity.

You, the Ambassadors in Korea, must understand fully well the sorrow of the nation divided. You are also the foremost experts on the issues concerning the Korean Peninsula. It is only natural that I regard you as natural partners.

Dear Colleagues,

This year is the Year of the Blue Horse, which comes around only once every 60 years. In Asia, 60 years marks the completion of a historical cycle.

Looking back at the history of the Korean Peninsula 60 years and 120 years ago, Korea went through great turmoil each time. The Peninsula became divided 60 years ago, and the Imperial Japan’s aggression became explicit 120 years ago.

From such historical experiences, we have come to learn the heavy toll that must be paid when we fail to grasp the flow of change and make proper preparations.

At this time of entering into the second year of the Park Geun-hye administration, I ask for your cooperation as we seek to consolidate sustainable peace and pursue trustpolitik so that we may overcome the current structure of division on the Korean Peninsula.

It is my sincere hope that the Peninsula Club that we are launching today will be a forum for lively dialogue through exchange of ideas and information. I would ask you to let us know your thoughts for the brighter future in Korea, and thereby become our partner in this historical journey.

To use one of my favorite expressions, I hope you will share with me the joy of being “present at creation” of a New Korean Peninsula.

In closing, let me express my heartfelt wish for the health and success of each and every one of you, and the further strengthening of the relationship between Korea and your home countries.

Thank you all for coming.