Kyung-Won Kim, the former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United States, spoke in front of approximately 50 people yesterday on the topics of proliferation, anti-Americanism and the two Koreas. Kim said that a “kinder, gentler approach” from the United States towards North Korea would bring about changes that would be favorable for both the Korean Peninsula and the United States.

“From the point of view of North Korea — a statement from the U.S. is the minimum they need to survive [in the current economy],” Kim said. “They feel terribly vulnerable, I’m sure. We need to think of a way to provide that security in a way that is not linked to the nuclear search. In providing a commitment, we are actually endangering their survival. I don’t think North Koreans understand this.”

Kim acknowledged that the current U.S. administration would consider discussion of economic aid for North Korea to be rewarding the country’s build-up of nuclear armaments.

“I too feel that rewarding bad behavior is not a good policy,” Kim said. “Yet it is possible for [the United States and South Korea] to design a package which is not linked to the nuclear issue.”

The Bush administration has made it clear that its main objective in its relations with North Korea is disarming the country of its nuclear weapons. Nevertheless, Kim said that “like most governments, the Bush administration has people who disagree with each other,” and that President Bush has yet to take a firm stance with North Korea.

“So far we have been responding to North Korean action rather than taking initiative,” Kim said.

An offering of economic assistance from the United States on the condition that North Korea disarms would integrate the United States’ goal of non-proliferation with South Korea’s objective of conflict-avoidance with North Korea.

“I would say there is a national consensus in South Korea against military action [in North Korea],” Kim said. “That is not to say I am against other sanctions.”

Kim further explained how South Korea has come to engage in more dialogue with the United States, such as the May 15 summit meeting held in Washington between President Bush and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.

“As you know, until recently there was a gap in the U.S. position and the South Korean position on the ROK nuclear policy — but the summit meeting in Washington was a success and changed the government position,” he said.

Kim said the shift in relations between the United States and South Korea has left the nation divided.

“Conservatives approve of the change, but there is protest and resentment by the so-called Progressives,” he said. “This division coincides quite remarkably with the generational divide. The younger people are quite against improving relations with the U.S. Though if we think about it, North Korea’s weaponry affects us more than the U.S.”

Kim went on to describe how the North Korean possession of nuclear weapons posed a threat to Japan. That threat could lead to the nuclear buildup of Japan, which could then lead to an arms race with China.

“It is difficult to believe that the Japanese will not do anything,” Kim said.

Regarding the political divide, Kim continued, “Those in their 20’s and 30’s have not experienced the Korean War. They do not see North Korea as a threat — and are all too happy to join in the current trend of anti-Americanism.”

Kim added that the presence of the United States military on the Korean peninsula is opposed by younger South Koreans, and they “can argue there is no longer a need for U.S. troops” if a cooperative aid package is presented by the United Sates.

“My suggestion,” Kim said in response, “is go ahead and sign the [package], but maintain troops because North Korea still remains a threat.

“The reason I say a kinder, gentler approach will be more likely to bring the collapse of the North Korean regime is that the regimes that go on and on and on are the regimes against which the U.S. takes a hostile stance,” Kim added.

Kim said he is unsure how things will be resolved and then added, “All I know is that North Korea will be an interesting country to watch.”