Posted on : May.2,2005 02:01 KST Modified on : May.2,2005 02:01 KST

At a time when discord between North Korea and the United States over the North Korean nuclear issue is at a new peak, the rhetoric between the two countries is making the situation worse. The harsh denunciations and naked antagonism is a clear display of how deep the emotions are.

On April 28 US president George W. Bush criticized and provoked North Korea's National Defence Commission chairman Kim Jong Il a "a dangerous person" and "a tyrant," making you wonder what is real intentions are. What is the purpose of taking direct aim at something North Korea is the most sensitive about right when it is trying to decide whether to participate in the six-party talks? In 2002 Bush revealed his naked hatred when called North Korea part of an "Axis of Evil" and Kim a "pigmy" and "child with bad table manners." As he began his second term Bush restrained himself, but now he is again causing disappointment. It is enough to make you wonder if, despite what it says, the US has already given up hope on the six-party talks.

North Korea is just as disappointing for responding with calling Bush a "hooligan," a "half-baked man in terms of morality," a "philistine," and the "world's dictator." Does it know how much that creates obstacles to peace on the Korean peninsula?

Fortunately it is still a "war of words" and neither side is taking action such as a nuclear test or sanctions, but if emotions intensify because of the belligerent rhetoric you don't know how the situation might worsen. It is still fortunate that in interview with the Hankyoreh Christopher Hill, the top US negotiator for the six-party talks, said the US would continue to try to make the six-party process successful and that he hinted at flexibility about bilateral dialogue. We would wish that both sides would restrain their emotions to the greatest extent possible. Naturally, Korea needs to work even harder at assuring that the summit between Bush and president Roh Moo Hyun scheduled for June finds ways to move closer to a peaceful resolution to the North Korean nuclear issue.


The Hankyoreh, 2 May 2005.

[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]

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