[월간중앙] Former Minister Han Seung-ju talks about the path for Korean diplomacy

Moon Jae-in administration is misunderstood that Kim Jong-un gives too much to gain favor
North Korea nuclear power plant construction issue should have been openly discussed, not secretly promoted

“Escape from the code and political parties, and discuss them in the center of national interest”

Former Foreign Minister Han Seung-ju, in a monthly interview with JoongAng, emphasizes the path of Korean diplomacy.

Former Foreign Minister Han Seung-ju is considered one of the representative diplomats in Korea. A former professor in the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy at Korea University, he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs (February 1993-December 1994) during the Civil Government and Ambassador to the US (April 2003-February 2005) during the Participatory Government, taking the lead in Korean diplomacy. When he served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, it was when the first civilian government in the history of constitution was launched, and when he was appointed ambassador to the United States, the first progressive regime in the history of constitution was re-created.

Since then, former Minister Han has been working as the chairman of the’Korea Global Forum’ (2011) and the chairman of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies (May 2019 to present), contemplating the path of Korean diplomacy. Former Minister Han recently [한국에 외교가 있는가]He published a book called, and sought a breakthrough in Korean diplomacy in the Biden era.

In his book, he emphasized that “international diplomacy has a good relationship when one can achieve win-win results that benefit each other rather than a win-lose where one loses and the other wins.” did. Monthly Jung-Ang met with former Minister Han and asked about the path of Korean diplomacy. The interview was held on the morning of February 3 at the meeting room of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where he is serving as the chairman.

“Practical diplomacy is diplomacy based on rational judgment and decision”

On June 1, 2017, the 12th Jeju Forum was held at the Jeju International Convention Center. From left, Jeong-ha Seo, President of the Jeju Peace Research Institute, President of the East Asia Foundation, Punsalmagin Ochirbat, Former President of Mongolia, Former Portuguese President Anibal Kabaku Silva, Jeju Governor Won Heeryong, Former Vice President Al Gore, Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Former Prime Minister Lee Hong-gu, Former Foreign Minister Han Seung-ju, and Lim Seong-nam, 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

[한국에 외교가 있는가]What kind of book is it?

“It is a turbulent era in which competent diplomacy is more urgent than ever. Unfortunately, however, our diplomacy resembles US diplomacy in the Trump era, which is criticized for being criticized as’three diplomacy’ with no talent, procedures, and policies. North Korea’s nuclear armament, increased threat of provocation, reorganization of international order in Northeast Asia, New Cold War due to conflict between the US and China… . Is there a future for diplomacy in Korea?”

“In a word, it is a difficult question to answer. The relationship between the state and the state, or the management of the state, is also the relationship between humans. Therefore, diplomacy has a lot in common with man-to-man relationships. Diplomacy will have to have means and strategies suitable for its purpose, and it will also require manners. In the game of diplomacy, contrary to popular belief, mutual trust and trust are sometimes helpful.”

So what is practical diplomacy?

“Practical diplomacy does not mean diplomacy of any means and methods, but practical and practical diplomacy that fits the purpose. It refers to diplomacy that is not influenced by political interests, ideological prejudices or emotions, but is operated with rational and realistic judgments and decisions. During President Trump’s days, those who worked in the Trump administration say that Trump made diplomatic matters based on impulse, instinct, and political interests. Likewise, if we decide the relationship with North Korea by anti-communist awards and the relationship with Japan through anti-Japanese sentiment, it cannot be a practical diplomacy.”

In a recently published book, “It is no exaggeration to say that 50% of diplomacy is domestic politics in democratic countries. Therefore, there is a high possibility that diplomacy will become populist.” What does it mean?

“Korea has a history that has been dominated or usurped by surrounding powers for centuries. This made the Korean people and politicians stained with politicians to some extent and at the same time made them feel victimized. In addition, there is an aspect that has instilled a sense of resistance against the great powers. Therefore, there is a side that has allowed us to have a negative and hostile attitude in relations with powerful countries such as Korea-Japan relations, Korea-China relations, and Korea-US relations. In October 2006, when I visited North Korea for the second time, North Korea claimed to have succeeded in its first nuclear weapons test. Most of the people I met at the time, both inside and outside the North Korean government, shouted, saying,’Now, I’m going to stand shoulder to shoulder with neighboring countries like China that scared North Korea.’ At that time, I was given the impression that’not only South Korea but also North Korea have hostility toward foreign countries. In Korea, which is a democratic country, domestic politics tends to be a constraint on diplomacy (pro-US), a motive for anti-Japanese, and a factor in a strong policy toward Japan.”

During the Kim Young-sam administration, he served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and as an ambassador to the US during the Roh Moo-hyun administration. If there is something specially memorable.

“The Kim Young-sam administration was at the time of the first North Korean nuclear crisis. At that time, Chen Qi-Chun, who was friendly to Korea, was the head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Chen Chi-Chun received much cooperation from the United Nations on the North Korean nuclear issue and helped to prevent North Korea’s provocation policy. President Roh Moo-hyun was elected president after making a famous remark, “How about anti-Americanism?” He focused on improving US-Korea relations and maintaining friendly relations. Americans are uncomfortable with his remarks, but actions (sent to Iraq, Korea-US FTA[자유무역협정] Initiation of negotiations, etc.) was evaluated as friendly.”

A former minister’s book [한국에 외교가 있는가]At the time, President Roh Moo-hyun explained about the dispatch of troops to Iraq as follows. “If the conservative president, not Roh, decided to send troops to Iraq, activists from the politicians as well as the progressives would surely not have been left behind. However, since it was President Roh Moo-hyun’s support group who would strongly oppose the issue, it would be more advantageous than anyone else to persuade them. When I was an ambassador to the United States, I told and emphasized that point to the American side. ‘It is possible because he is President Roh. I repeatedly emphasized and persuaded President Roh’s words that he can do good deeds just like this because his words are radical, and I think the United States must have fully understood that point.”

“The Moon Jae-in administration’s diplomacy, unlike the Roh Moo-hyun administration”

In July 1993, then Foreign Minister Han Seung-joo (left) is chatting with US President Bill Clinton, who visited Korea. / Photo: Han Seung-ju

If you evaluate the Moon Jae-in administration’s diplomacy with major countries.

“If former President Roh Moo-hyun did not hesitate to cooperate with the United States to prevent the recurrence of war on the Korean Peninsula, President Moon emphasized cooperation with the United States to establish friendship between the two Koreas. In the end, it can be said that the North Korea-U.S. summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un was organized by the Korean government. In the United States, the impression was that South Korea was making excessive efforts for goodwill with North Korea, and domestically, there was a misunderstanding that it made too much concessions to win Kim Jong-un’s favor. In the case of China, it seemed that they were also trying to obtain cooperation for friendship with North Korea.”

There are many views that the Moon Jae-in administration is an extension of the Roh Moo-hyun administration.

“In fact, it doesn’t seem like that. President Moon’s priorities are the declaration of the end of the war, the transition of wartime and wartime powers, and the suspension or reduction of military training between the United States and Korea. To make peace with North Korea. President Moon has this specific goal. President Roh did not. President Roh’s primary purpose, at least during his two years as ambassador to the United States, was to cooperate well with the United States so that the United States does not pose any sanctions or armed threats against North Korea.”

In his book, he criticized, “The Moon Jae-in administration was also three-free diplomacy like the Trump administration.”

“For effective diplomacy, there must be talented people with competence and experience, there must be a process organized within the government for policy making, and the goals and methods of the policy must be rationally established. Even when diplomatic measures are not going as intended and courses need to be changed, there must be an appropriate exit strategy. Tony Blingen, who was appointed the first secretary of state for the Biden administration, criticized the lack of these three factors in US diplomacy during the Trump administration. He criticized Korea as having similar problems of trilateral diplomacy. However, the Moon Jae-in administration established a cooperative relationship with North Korea because there was a’code’. The pursuit of reconciliation between North Korea and the United States had become the primary policy goal.”

How did you see policy toward North Korea in the Trump era?

“It seems that Trump did not understand the core of the North Korean nuclear issue. As I was rushing to political trumpism (Han Gunism), I thought I was immersed in Korean optimism and followed Kim Jong-un. Trump’s’Han Gunism’ for the title of North Korean problem solver eventually took the path of failure, resulting in counterproductive effects on the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue and security on the Korean Peninsula.”

How do you view the US policy toward North Korea in the Biden era?

“Biden served twice as chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, and each time he had the opportunity to approach and consider the North Korean nuclear issue, including the North Korean nuclear issue. He was more moderate than his opponent (Chairman Richard Lougar when the Republican Party was the majority). However, when the Democratic Party was the majority party, Biden took over as chairman of the foreign affairs committee and pursued a realistic and principled policy. In addition, his assistants are not only experienced, but are also made up of practical diplomatic experts. Now they are in charge of US diplomacy. They will not take careless or impulsive policies like Trump, but will pursue a policy that is balanced and credible in the Korean peninsula.”

How do you rate the lineup of Tony Blincoln (Secretary of State)-Wendy Sherman (Secretary of State)-Jake Sullivan (National Security Adviser) that was adopted by the Biden administration?

“I think they are prepared experts with diverse knowledge and experience in not only foreign affairs but also Korean peninsula issues. He will tell Biden what he should listen to instead of what he wants to hear, and I think an internal consultation process has already been established. However, I think it will take some time before Trump reorganizes and establishes US foreign policy disturbed by Trump and restores trust with foreign countries, especially allies.”

“The US-China conflict continues, but it will not go to war”

President Lee Myung-bak, who attended the diplomatic and security advisory luncheon meeting held at the Blue House in May 2010, is talking with the advisory group. From left, Professor Han Seung-ju, the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Security, President Lee, and Hyeon Hong-ju, former ambassador to the United States.

Candidate Eui-Yong of Foreign Minister Eui-Yong is considered a key player in the 2018 North Korea-US summit. Do you think you will be in good harmony with the Biden administration?

“I think the Biden administration will look different from the Trump administration. As they have knowledge, awareness, and judgment about North Korea, they will not follow South Korea’s unconditional optimism like Trump, but if the South Korean side presents a reasonable policy alternative and shows a realistic position and approach to North Korea policy, a reasonable dialogue between professionals and professionals. I think there can be a discussion with him.”

When I was the Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa, I had a strong impression that the Blue House was leading diplomacy.

“Maybe it was because the reality was close to it that gave that impression. Who and how to lead diplomacy, including relations with North Korea, depends on the attitudes of the president, who is in power, and his aides. I think it is true that major diplomatic issues such as North Korea policy, US relations with the United States, relations with Japan, and public relations gave the impression of being led by the Blue House.”

Is it ultimately possible to denuclearize North Korea?

“I think ultimately it will be possible. But’when and how’ will be the problem. However, the problem is that our alertness to North Korea’s nuclear armament and the need for denuclearization tend to be very weak. I think a lot of policy studies and close consultations, especially between Korea and the US, will be needed. Five years ago, I said it would be resolved in my lifetime, but now I’m gone (laughs).”

How do you forecast the US-China conflict in the Biden era?

“The competition and conflict will continue. However, for the sake of interdependence, international diversity, and self-interest of each country (the United States and China), it is necessary to refrain from conflict and seek cooperation. I don’t think it will go to war.”

In what direction should Korean diplomacy go in the Biden era?

“To put it a bit straightforward, the Roh Moo-hyun administration’s greatest diplomatic goal was to prevent a war on the Korean Peninsula. The Moon Jae-in administration’s primary goal is to establish a cooperative relationship with North Korea. Therefore, the government is being criticized at home and abroad for underestimating the seriousness of the North Korean nuclear issue. Despite the self-admiration of’We sat in the driver’s seat’, we arranged to improve relations between the United States and North Korea, leaving the solution to the North Korean nuclear issue to the United States, and we chose a policy to focus on improving inter-Korean relations. As a result, the Moon Jae-in administration focused on the declaration of the end of the war on the Korean peninsula and early transfer of wartime power, and it seems that there were negligible aspects in strengthening the security posture, such as resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and joint ROK-US military exercises. Korea should take a balanced policy between the US and China. It does not imply a simple equidistant policy, it is that the United States must maintain close and friendly relations as an ally and China as South Korea’s largest trading partner. It should be recognized that the relationship between Korea and Japan is an important diplomatic issue affecting not only the relationship between the two countries, but also the relationship between the three countries, including the United States. Friendship and cooperation between Korea and Japan in relation to the North Korean nuclear issue, military information cooperation, and US troops stationed in Asia are extremely important factors in the health of Korea’s security and ROK-US alliance. Korea and Japan are the only East Asian countries where the United States has an army station.”

With the Moon Jae-in administration, the relationship between Japan and Japan was stiff. What are the causes and solutions?

“Since the 1990s, when a new government was established (except for the Roh Moo-hyun-Lee Myung-bak-Park Geun-hye administrations and the Kim Dae-jung administration), Korea showed a willingness to improve relations with Japan. . In contrast, the Moon Jae-in administration started with a cool attitude toward Japan from the time it took power. In 2007, the difficult consensus was abolished, and a moderate response to the issue of compensation for forced laborers in Korea such as Mitsubishi and Shinil-cheol Jukeum was criminalized on the grounds of “Judicial Nongdan”. Compared with the predecessors, the will to ease the crunch in relations with Japan seemed weak.”

“The inter-Korean summit without active participation of the United States is rare”

Former Foreign Minister Han Seung-ju recently published [한국에 외교가 있는가]Cover of.

Recently, the Moon Jae-in administration has seen signs of seeking to improve relations with Japan. How do you rate it?

“I think it would be welcome to leave the legacy of improving relations with Japan at the end of the rule.”

There is also a prospect that before and after the Tokyo Olympics, talks to normalize relations between the two Koreas, North Korea and the United States, and North Korea and Japan will be possible.

“As of now (due to Corona 19), it is not clear that the Tokyo Olympics will be held. However, even if it is held, it is unlikely that a summit will be held with North Korea without active participation or encouragement from the United States in a situation where Japan is close to the United States. The Biden administration will take an incomparable, prudent and practical attitude to the Trump administration. Wouldn’t it be difficult to expect a dramatic turnaround.”

In what direction do you think our diplomacy with Japan should go apart from the political tendencies such as progressive and conservative?

“Apart from tribalism, we must carefully consider and discuss what will be most advantageous to our national interests (security, economy, diplomacy, etc.). Looking at the examples of neighboring countries, Japan and Australia are closely attached to the United States, Singapore maintains good relations with China while swaying to the United States, and the Philippines seems to be struggling between China and the United States due to the intolerance of its leaders. On the other hand, is it not showing that Korea is not able to determine a certain direction? For example, not all member states of the European North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are pro-American, but maintain close cooperation and alliances with the United States. I think we also need to closely monitor their diplomatic behavior and look for lessons.”

Some point out that the Korean government neglects Russia among the top four.

“Russia is one of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and has great economic and security interests and roles on the Korean Peninsula. Moreover, these days, relations with North Korea are getting closer, and China and the United States are forming an entente. Therefore, we should pay a lot of attention to diplomacy with Russia and focus on establishing relationships.”

The 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Russia in 2020 (the event will be held in 2021 due to Corona 19), and the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and China in 2022. What does diplomatic relations with Russia and China mean in our diplomatic history?

“The first North Korean nuclear crisis broke out in 1993, when I was in charge of the ministerial position, and diplomatic relations with China and Russia were established, so I received a lot of help. Russia and China are forming an allied front against the United States. However, it is not that there are no elements of conflict between Russia and China. The two countries have a large border, and economically, there are competitions in the BRI (One Belt One Road). Historically, it can be said that North Korea has taken advantage of the conflict between China and Russia to take fisherman geography. Considering this situation, we should not neglect Russia.”

“I need to find profits that can be shared with the US, Japan, and China”

On April 19, 2003, President Roh Moo-hyun shakes hands after giving credentials to Ambassador Han Seung-ju to the United States.

How do you view the recently controversial’USB case’ related to the Panmunjom summit?

“At the time of the Panmunjom inter-Korean summit in April 27, 2018, President Moon said that he gave a removable storage device (USB memory) to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This can be sounded as saying that our relationship with North Korea and the United States is treated as the same level.”

In 2018, candidate Eui-yong Chung, who was the head of the National Security Office of the Blue House at the time, met with reporters on February 2 and said, “We provided USB memory devices to the United States as well.” In March 2018, Candidate Jung visited Pyongyang and Washington DC as an envoy to the North and the United States as an envoy to the United States, and arranged the inter-Korean summit and the North Korea-US summit.

In order to upgrade Korean diplomacy to the next level, what should be changed first?

“The most important thing is that we have to focus on the national interests, not the code or faction. Also, we should not do it ourselves, but also with the United States and Japan. To find a shareable benefit. If necessary, you should also do it with China. When the president takes office, won’t he send envoys to major countries? But we decide who to go to as a courier, as if handing out loot. They seem to care more about the politician’s own promotion than the message. In some cases, I go to the United States or Japan and have strategic dialogues with those in charge about North Korea issues, but it is very rare.”

It may seem difficult to exercise discretion in a reality surrounded by great powers.

“(The situation is) difficult, but under the given conditions, we have the quality to do better diplomacy than now. However, the problem is that it is impossible to obtain an agreement on any proposal in the country. In the current state, only general and principled positions can only be said. I hope that both the people and the leaders have more confidence. And it is inevitable that opinions diverge, but you should be able to discuss them openly. That way, policy paralysis is prevented. It is said that the government had reviewed the plan to build a nuclear power plant in North Korea, but if it had been openly discussed about how to help the electricity problem, rather than in secret, it would not have raised suspicion and divided national opinion.”

Written by Choi Kyung-ho and Moon Sang-deok Monthly Central Reporter [email protected] / Photo by Kim Hyun-dong reporter [email protected]

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