ROK Military Policy Recommendations Toward North Korea
Abstract
The Republic of Korea (ROK) policy toward North Korea dramatically changed during the administration of President Kim Dae-jung and continued for 10 years through the Roh Moo-hyun Administration. This unilateral policy was based on West German Chancellor Willy Brant s Ostpolitik, or Eastern Policy, toward East Germany and was based on the belief that open, positive actions toward North Korea might persuade the northern regime to change its hostile policy. In fact, North Korea did not change its strategy or identity, but instead carried out hostile actions. The North Korean navy attacked one of South Korea s warships on 15 June 1999 and again on 29 June 2002. Even last year (2011), North Korea s navy attacked a South Korean warship and fired artillery against Yeonpyung Island. But the ROK armed forces showed restraint and did not take aggressive measures against North Korea. This military policy was a part of the political policy. This paper traces the history of the ROK policy toward the north, explains the problem caused by mingling military with political policy, and recommends that South Korea military forces maintain a consistent policy to take immediate action to respond to North Korea s aggressive provocations regardless of political policy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 22, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA562927
Entities
People
- Kisoo Bae
Organizations
- United States Army War College