korean unification studies

An old cynic told me in a bar yesterday that delaying the summit is a political coup de grace… and despite the whisky, it actually made sense (from a certain point of view) at the time.

Delaying the summit will leave more time for the build up of South Korean empathy with the hapless masses to the North. The media will continue to report on the poor condition of North Korea, and voila, an economic package to surpass all others will be fully supported…. and furthermore, anyone who opposes a comprehensive economic package will be branded as cold and unfeeling. The feeling of overwhelming empathy will flow right on to the presidential elections and an odd mis-step here or there by the conservative candidates or even our friends in Washington and we’ll have another five years of brilliant sunshine.

The old cynic had a good background on the situation and had spent much time as an analyst for an agency based here in Korea. A very interesting, if very cynical view…