Interview
Recent Tensions on the Korean Peninsula
2018 was a year that rose hopes for a possible long-lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. The Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang held in February and the three Inter-Korean summits held in April, May and September marked great progress in the bilateral relations, something that had not been accomplished in more than a decade. The positive developments continued throughout 2019, however recently tensions have started to rise again.
The Inter-Korean Liaison Office, which was established as a part of the Panmunjom Declaration signed by South and North Korea’s leaders in 2018, was demolished by North Korea on 16th of June 2020. This was initiated as an answer to alleged provocations from South Korean activists. The destruction of the office, which was empty at the time of the tragic event, has led to another escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula and to an emergency meeting of the South Korean Government.
Radio Austria reports some opinions and views of Dr. Bernhard Seliger, the representative of HSF Korea. Dr. Seliger states that North Korea’s dissatisfaction with some of the developments during the last 2 years such as the unsuccessful Hanoi summit, have led the North Korean leadership to respond aggressively to perceived provocations. Tensions have been building up since the end of 2019, however response was delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis. In the last few weeks, North Korea has become more active again, reports Dr. Seliger, and South Korea’s concerns have been rising.
You can listen to the radio interview here.