korean unification studies

Kim Yang Gon (pictured right) is the Director of the United Front Department (UFD), an intelligence agency under the Korean Worker’s Party (KWP) of the DPRK. His role in facilitating dialogue between the two Koreas is rarely acknowledged, but nevertheless highly significant. It is believed that he is a very close confidant of Kim Jong-Il.

Kim Yang Gon was born on 24 April 1938 in Anju, South Pyongan Province (I have been unable to find information on his education and early career. Any detail you can add would be welcome).

In 1986 he was known to be the Vice Director of the KWP Central Committee International Department and in 1990 became a Deputy to the 9th Supreme People’s Assembly. In February 1991 he was also accorded the position of Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Association of Korea. From 1997 he became Director of the KWP Central Committee International Department.

In November 1997, KCNA reports that Kim Yang-Gon, “Director of a Department of the WPK Central Committee” gave a speech at a party at the Mansudae Art Theatre in honor of a visiting delegation of the three ruling coalition parties of Japan (LDP, SDP and Sakigake) and participated in events for the delegation throughout their visit.

The KCNA contains pages of references to Kim Yang Gon and his participation in dialogue with foreign states from Algeria to Zimbabwe. On 24 September 1998, Kim Yang Gon even hosted a Canuck delegation from the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) headed by National Leader Sandra Smith.

Around 1998 Kim Yong Gon gravitated to the position of Director of the United Front Department. The UFD supervises the Chongryon, or General Association Korean Residents in Japan, which is the sometimes highly vocal, pro-North Korean organization based in Japan. Finally, in June 2005, he was promoted to the position of Councilor of the National Defense Commission.

With respect to unification, Kim Yang Gon was the northern representative to what press reports invariably described as the ‘behind the scenes’ negotiatons between top-level intelligence officials that resulted in the 2-4 October South-North Korean Summit. Indeed, the role of the two spy chiefs in facilitating the Summit cannot be underestimated, as noted by Yuichiro Nakamura in the Yoniuri Shimbun:

The first inter-Korean Summit in more than seven years would never have materialized without the behind-the-scenes efforts of the two countries intelligence chiefs, despite the fierce, long running antagonism of their respective agencies

The Summit also revealed the depth to which Kim Yang Gon is involved in Kim Jong-Il’s decision making processes. The release of the conversation between Roh and Kim on the second day of the Summit demonstrates this:

Roh: I was overwhelmed myself. The roads were not bumpy. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the citizens of Pyongyang for giving me and my entourage a warm welcome yesterday. Your personal welcome, in particular, is greatly appreciated.

Kim: (Looking back and forth between the president and Kim Yang Gon, the director of Workers Party’s Unification Front Department) Do not mention it. I shouldn’t stay at home when you have come.

His very open appearance on the scene of unification talks with the South have led several commentators to question his role. During the leaders’ conversations, Kim Jong-Il was ‘looking back and forth’ leading some commentators to believe he was seeking some kind of approval from Kim Yang Gon. Later in the afternoon, at another critical point much discussed in the media:

Kim:I was told that you ate cold noodles at Okryugwan. Tell me, which are more tasty, the noodles of Pyongyang or Seoul.

Roh: Noodles here have a richer taste to them.

Kim:(Before the summit) It is my understanding that it may rain today. Before we leave, a luncheon that will take about an hour and thirty minutes is scheduled. (After checking with Kim Yang Gon who was flanked by Kim a few times) Why don’t postpone your today’s itinerary for tomorrow so we can take our time to have lunch? Please stay one more day. What do you think about having today’s planned talks tomorrow and leaving the day after tomorrow?

Roh: I think I first need to check with those that have stronger power than me, my security and protocol office.

Kim: (Kim Yang Gon explained to Kim about what Roh meant) The president cannot call the shots? You can just tell them what you want.

Roh: I call the shots if the issues concerned are serious, but when it comes to little things, I need to consult with others.

Given the spotlight on Kim Yang Gon as a result of the Summit, it will be interesting to see more information emerge. There is potential that Kim Yang Gon could emerge as a powerful figure in any post-Kim Jong-Il political scene. It will also be interesting to see how he can influence inter-Korean relations.