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Analysis: The South Korean Divide

Council on Foreign Relations

October 25, 2006
Prepared by: Carin Zissis

As the global reaction to North Korea’s nuclear test softens from shouts to chatter, South Korea considers cautious steps about how to handle Pyongyang. Seoul remains concerned that strong action against Pyongyang could lead to the collapse of Kim Jong-Il’s regime and a rush of refugees across the border (Reuters). U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice went to Seoul last week to push North Korea's neighbors to increase pressure on Pyongyang, but many South Koreans are reluctant to endorse sanctions they feel will prolong or deepen suffering in the North (NYT). The nuclear test sparked a debate within South Korea about whether it should continue its strategy of engagement known as the “Sunshine Policy” or turn toward a more militaristic approach, which could include developing nuclear missiles (CSMonitor). China said it received Pyongyang’s assurances that it will not conduct a second test.

While they continue to differ over how to handle North Korea, South Koreans are united in their concern over the possibility of reckless action by Kim Jong-Il igniting an international conflict. The country has already tested a new cruise missile (Australian) capable of reaching North Korea, as well as parts of China and Japan. But such actions do little to calm fears about an escalating arms race in the region.

Read the rest of this article on the cfr.org website.

Copyright 2006 by the Council on Foreign Relations. This material is republished on GlobalSecurity.org with specific permission from the cfr.org. Reprint and republication queries for this article should be directed to cfr.org.