A look into N. Korea’s moves and regional risks amid S. Korea’s political uncertainty

Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon.

South Korea is facing an intense period of political transition following the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

As Seoul prepares for new leadership, attention has been shifted to North Korea’s muted response to Yoon’s dismissal as it stands in stark contrast to its past behaviors, raising questions about Pyongyang’s current strategic thinking.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un’s high-profile military inspection on the day of the ruling, along with renewed statements from Kim Yo-jong and a reported border-crossing incident in the DMZ, suggest that tensions may still be simmering beneath the surface.

To delve deeper into the inter-Korean situation, we invite our go-to North Korea expert, Dr. Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome.

Also joining us is Brian Myers, Professor of International Studies at Dongseo University. Great to have you.

1. (Go) So Dr. Go, North Korea briefly reported the news of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's dismissal without special comments a day after it happened.

This is in contrast with the swift and detailed reporting of former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment. How could we read into this?

2. (Myers) On the other hand, there is also a view that the North may have limited its rhetoric against the South, as the impeachment news could negatively impact its own regime. What is your view?

3. (Go) The North's KCNA reported that Kim Jong-un inspected a special operations unit on April 4—the day of Pres. Yoon's impeachment ruling.

Do you think this holds any significance?

4. (Go) Meanwhile, the former Yoon administration maintained a hardline stance on North Korea.

Do you believe a shift in North Korea policy is necessary under the next administration for better stability on the Korean Peninsula?

5. (Myers) Dialogue between North Korea and the U.S. is being cited as the biggest variable that could shake the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

In this context, Kim Yo-jong, Vice Department Director of the Workers’ Party, strongly objected to the foreign ministers' meeting between Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo, which reaffirmed commitments to North Korea’s denuclearization, calling it the most hostile act. What is the significance of Kim Yo-jong stepping forward to reiterate North Korea's position?

6. (Go) Meanwhile, Acting President Han Duck-soo and U.S. President Trump held their first phone call for nearly 30 minutes on Tuesday.

This was the first conversation between the two leaders since the launch of Trump’s second administration, amid continued concerns over a “Korea passing” in the North Korea nuclear negotiations. How do you assess this development?

7. (Myers) After the call with Acting President Han, President Trump hinted at renegotiating the increase in South Korea's defense cost sharing. What kind of proactive diplomatic and security responses do you think are necessary going forward?

8. (Go) North Korea–Russia relations are strengthening into a strategic alliance, and the U.S.–Russia relationship is reportedly improving in light of the Ukraine ceasefire talks. Amid such changes in the international landscape, what direction should South Korea’s diplomacy take for the sake of Peninsula stability?

9. (Myers) Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a North Korea human rights resolution for the 23rd consecutive year.

This year's resolution notably includes concerns over North Korean troop deployment to Russia. While these resolutions are not legally binding, do you think continued pressure like this can have an impact on North Korea?

10. (Go) On April 8th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that around a dozen North Korean soldiers crossed the Military Demarcation Line in the eastern section of the Demilitarized Zone. While it may have been a simple mistake made during reconnaissance, there is also speculation that it was a deliberate incursion taking advantage of South Korea’s current political instability. What is your view on this?