North Korea seeks ``post-Russia''; China is active in mediating U.S.-North Korea dialogue - Kim Dae-jung's third son Hong Gul

[Seoul Jiji] Former lawmaker Kim Hong-gul, who is the third son of former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and is well-versed in North Korea issues, agreed to an interview with Jiji Press on the 7th. Kim pointed out that although North Korea's economy is improving due to closer ties with Russia, he recognizes that there is a time limit until the invasion of Ukraine ends. He expressed the view that he is seeking to diversify his diplomatic relations with China, the United States, and other countries with a "post-Russia" in mind.

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Kim, who has many connections in Japan and China and has also been involved in support projects for North Korea, emphasized that, ``Over the past three years, more than $20 billion (approximately 3.17 trillion yen) has entered North Korea from Russia.'' However, he explained, ``The current relationship with Russia cannot continue indefinitely. North Korea needs to expand its diplomatic options.''

Regarding China-North Korea relations, he said, ``There are mutual suspicions, but both sides need each other at the moment.'' China is said to have been encouraging North Korea to have Kim Jong Un, the general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, visit China during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in China on the 18th and 19th. Until now, China has not necessarily been friendly to the approach between the US and North Korea, but ``there is a calculation that by supporting President Trump on the North Korea issue, we can gain an advantage in negotiations between the US and China.''

Regarding North Korea's approach, he pointed out, ``I think they will not say ``go'' until the very last moment of APEC and will fight on terms.'' ``If Trump steps down, it will be difficult to find another US president with whom Kim Kim can directly negotiate,'' he said. He also said that the results of the U.S. midterm elections, in which the Republican Party suffered a crushing defeat, are not bad for North Korea, as it increases the possibility that Trump, who wants to make a mark on diplomacy alone, will make concessions.

According to Kim, North Korea, which is focusing on economic revitalization, began allowing individuals to own private cars about two years ago. Liberalization measures, such as allowing companies to voluntarily use surplus profits other than those paid to the national treasury, are said to be expanding.

UN Security Council sanctions are becoming a mere shell due to relations between Russia and North Korea. Kim said, ``The biggest obstacle to North Korea's economic development is the U.S. financial sanctions, even more so than the United Nations sanctions.They prevent North Korea from entering international financial networks.I think North Korea would like to see them lifted.''