South Korea analyst on North Korea’s blowing up of inter-Korean roads
(15 Oct 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Seoul, South Korea – 15 October 2024
1. Wide of Cheong Seong-chang, North Korea expert based in South Korea’s Sejong Institute
2. SOUNDBITE (Korean) Cheong Seong-chang, North Korea expert at Sejong Institute:
“At the moment, young people in North Korea have this longing towards South Korea due to the influence of South Korean soap operas and K-pop. It is widely known Kim (Jong Un)’s top priority is to getting rid of such influence. Blowing up inter-Korean roads is a way of showing Kim’s firm resolve to sever inter-Korean ties.”
3. Various of Cheong
4. SOUNDBITE (Korean) Cheong Seong-chang, North Korea expert at Sejong Institute:
“Regardless of the South Korean government’s stance, it is highly likely that they (anti-North Korea groups) will send leaflets into North Korea by using balloons or drones. This can lead to skirmishes inside the DMZ, regardless of what the government wants. If the North Korean military tries to shoot down balloons or drones, their shells may fall into South Korean territory. In that case, South Korea will have to respond. This could unintentionally lead to full-out war as both sides are promising to respond with an overwhelming show of force.”
5. Wide of Cheong
STORYLINE:
Severing ties with South Korea is a top priority for Kim Jong Un, North Korea expert Cheong Seong-chang said on Tuesday.
In a symbolic display of anger, North Korea on Tuesday blew up the northern section of unused roads that once linked it with the South, with the rivals exchanging threats days after the North claimed that its rival flew drones over its capital Pyongyang.
Cheong said it was Kim’s “top-priority” to prevent South Korean culture from influencing young people in North Korea.
“Blowing up inter-Korean roads is a way of showing Kim’s firm resolve to sever inter-Korean ties,” said Cheong.
The roads’ choreographed demolition underlines North Korea’s growing anger against South Korea’s conservative government.
Cheong also suggested what may happen in the short-term if anti-North Korea groups in South Korea continue sending leaflets into North Korea, warning of the possibility of all out war.
“If the North Korean military tries to shoot down balloons or drones, their shells may fall into South Korean territory. In that case, South Korea will have to respond. This could unintentionally lead to full-out war as both sides are promising to respond with an overwhelming show of force,” he said.
AP video shot by Yong Jun Chang
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