April 28, 2018

Akahata 'current' column

Korean dynasties are often featured in historical dramas and movies. The last unified Korea was under the Joseon (Yi) Dynasty which lasted 500 years until the annexation by the Japanese Empire in 1910. The name of the kingdom was Joseon with Seoul as its capital, using Hangul (Korean alphabet) as the written script.

South Korean honor guards in traditional attire, which guardsmen in the dynasty period used to wear, escorted North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea. The international community paid close attention to the historic meeting at the Peace House in Panmunjom.

Kim Jong-un and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, smiling hand-in-hand, crossed the military demarcation line to the other side and crossed back to the South. The scene left a strong impression on the world that the two countries may finally overcome the division and will go forward to the goal of reconciliation.

They in a joint declaration reaffirmed that they will commit to denuclearization and work together to realize a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. The two sides agreed to "completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain, including land, air and sea," and to "turn the armistice into a peace treaty". The two leaders declared that they will work together to bring about peace, co-prosperity, and reunification. President Moon said, "Let's meet often and commit ourselves to never go back to the era of hostilities.

Children in many schools in South Korea watched the scene on TV. They saw for themselves that both peoples are of the same origin and together to share their future history in peace. The day's meeting between the two leaders gave great hope for the children viewing as it is they who will lead the next generation of decisionmakers.

The North-South Korea talks impressed the world as a historical event to work to establish peace and stability in not only Northeast Asia but throughout the rest of the world. Everyone hopes that the upcoming North Korea-U.S. summit will also achieve a positive outcome. In order to open a bright future for Korea, along with all relevant countries, Japan should also proactively commit to support the peace process.