Joseph Yoon: “Discussions on wartime operational control and nuclear submarines are likely to be put on hold due to the results of the U.S. midterm elections.”

Joseph Yun, former U.S. State Department Special Representative for North Korea Policy, predicted that depending on the results of the U.S. midterm elections, restrictions will increase on the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) between South Korea and the U.S. and the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines (nuclear submarines).

In a video interview with Voice of America (VOA) on the 7th, former CEO Yoon responded as follows when asked about the impact on the ROK-US alliance as a result of the Democratic Party's control of both the Senate and House of Representatives as a result of the midterm elections.

First of all, he predicted that there would be no significant impact, saying, "When it comes to core issues of the ROK-US alliance (such as extended deterrence), there is a promise from both the administration and Congress to adhere to all core values ​​and take a bipartisan approach."

However, he said, "I think some of the new initiatives, such as the transfer of wartime operational control and the introduction of nuclear submarines, may be put on hold without much progress over the next two years due to lack of momentum on one side or the other," and "I think it may be difficult to push forward with new things."

Regarding North Korea policy, he pointed out that the executive branch's authority is great and since there is no immediate US support for North Korea, there is little room for Congress to influence it.

However, regarding the possibility of a North Korea-US dialogue, he said, "(North Korea-US dialogue) did not occur due to a lack of enthusiasm on Kim Jong-un's side," and added, "I don't think this election or anything else changes that equation."

He pointed out that “in all respects, North Korea is doing better, much better than it was during the first Trump administration,” including improving relations between North Korea, Russia, and North Korea and China. “Strategically, they see no benefit in meeting the U.S. president again.”

Regardless of the results of the midterm elections, Chairman Kim Jong-un, who holds the key to achieving dialogue between North Korea and the United States, is passive, so the possibility of resuming dialogue is not considered high.

Regarding trade relations between Korea and the United States, former Representative Yoon said that the current foreign trade policy and tariff policy will continue and that "Congress fully supports investment from friendly countries."