For decades, the Korean Peninsula has served as a stark reminder of unresolved conflict and geopolitical tension. Since its division, the aspiration for a unified Korea has persisted through recurring diplomatic engagements, calls for dialogue, and renewed efforts to bridge the divide. Yet despite these efforts, meaningful progress remains elusive. A central question remains: What would a sustainable, long-term path toward reunification look like?

A recent UPI article, “A Solution to South Korea’s Divided North Korea Policy,” written by Cheol-min Park, explores this question. Park is a North Korean escapee, an aspiring filmmaker, and a member of the North Korean Young Leaders Assembly. He argues that a “powerful redefinition of terms” is needed to distinguish between the North Korean regime and the North Korean people as part of a sustainable, long-term approach to reunification.

He explains that the failure to make this distinction has contributed to gridlock in South Korea’s policy toward North Korea and hindered efforts to build a unified public consensus. Park suggests that the South Korean government should distinguish between the North Korean regime, which he views as a major security threat, and the North Korean people, whom he recognizes as rightful partners in future unification.

With the rise of North Korea’s jangmadang, or private-market generation, Park argues that making this distinction has become both essential and urgent. He describes this generation as increasingly open to change, deeply skeptical of state ideology, and more culturally connected to the free world.

The article closely aligns with the One Korea Campaign, which calls for a unified Korea founded on the shared values and principles of Hongik Ingan. The campaign also makes a clear distinction between the North Korean regime and its people, often referring to North Koreans as “our family in the North.”

Read the full article: UPI: A Solution to South Korea’s divided North Korea policy