DATE=6/16/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=KOREA SUMMIT (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263542
BYLINE=HYUN SUNG KHANG
DATELINE=SEOUL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: An overwhelming majority of South Koreans view
this week's inter-Korean summit in Pyongyang as an
overwhelming success. The historic first-ever meeting
between the two Korean presidents produced an
agreement on reconciliation and cooperation between
the two countries, which are still technically at war.
As Hyun Sung Khang reports from Seoul, many South
Koreans are euphoric.
TEXT: A South Korean newspaper opinion poll shows 97
percent of respondents say the summit resulted in a
favorable outcome. More than half say they believe the
two Koreas will be united within 10 years. Ordinary
Koreans have a favorable attitude toward
reunification:
/// TWO KOREAN VOX-POP ACTS, WITH TRANSLATION ///
FIRST MAN: I was moved to see the two leaders
meet for the first time, and I hope they
approach issues with patience and that their
discussions will lead to reunification.
SECOND MAN: I personally hope for a fast
reunification, but realistically I think it will
take a long time. We should take into account
German reunification, although we should also go
our own way.
/// END ACT ///
A wave of nationalism has swept the country following
the Pyongyang summit. South Koreans seem to share the
sentiments of their president, Kim Dae-jung, who on
his return from the three day trip to the North,
repeatedly pointed out that people from the North and
South share a Korean heritage.
Perceptions of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, have
also changed dramatically. Mr. Kim has long been
demonized in the South, but people here were
surprised, and apparently charmed, by the humor and
hospitality he displayed at the summit.
Opticians here in Seoul say Kim Jong Il-style glasses
are a popular choice with their middle-aged patrons.
And among young schoolchildren, the North Korean
leader, who bears a substantial paunch, is being
likened to the popular children's television
characters, the Teletubbies.
The South Koreans' fraternal feelings appear to be
reciprocated in the North. The South Korean news
agency, Yonhap, is reporting that North Korea is no
longer airing anti-South Korean propaganda, under
orders from Kim Jong-il.
/// OPT /// Quoting a South Korean official who
accompanied President Kim on his Pyongyang visit, the
news agency says Kim Jong-il announced during a state
lunch that he had ordered the National Defense
Committee to stop any broadcasts slandering South
Korea. /// END OPT ///
South Korean newspapers also have been overwhelmingly
positive about the summit agreement. Even the
conservative Chosun Ilbo gave the deal a thumbs-up,
saying it would serve as a cornerstone for new inter-
Korean relations. But it warned that it would wait to
see whether the North really does change, and whether
the agreement is actually implemented.
For millions of South Koreans who have been separated
from their families by the Korean War and the
subsequent division of the peninsula, the summit has
special significance. Both presidents agreed to
reunite these families. President Kim Dae-jung has
already said that inter-Korean Red Cross talks will
resume this month. Red Cross societies of the two
sides have been responsible for family reunion
negotiations in the past. (Signed)
NEB/HK/HSK/JO/WTW
16-Jun-2000 07:41 AM EDT (16-Jun-2000 1141 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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