Vigilance in face of tensions

North Korea is escalating its rhetorical attacks against South Korea. It
warned that it would confiscate properties owned and run by South Korean
companies and the government at the resort complex at Mount Kumgang.
Citing the anti-North air balloons sent up by North Korean defectors,
Pyongyang threatened to end inter-Korean agreements on travel in
Kaesong and Kumgang, suggesting the closure of the Kaesong Industrial
Complex altogether.
In response to the U.S. announcement on a new strategy in its Nuclear
Posture Review, Pyongyang declared it would accelerate development of
uranium-based nuclear weapons.
This campaign of renewed hostility heightens inter-Korean tensions as
South Korea studies the possible role North Korea played in the mysterious
sinking of a naval ship in waters near the sea border.
There is still no real evidence pointing to North Korea’s orchestration of the
Cheonan tragedy. But the defense minister’s comment on the high
probability of a torpedo attack and the balance of military analysis and
testimony from surviving crew all point north. Nothing but a military
attack can explain the instant destruction and sinking of a 1,200-ton
corvette. And no country but North Korea would be bold enough to carry
out such an action. North Korea remains silent on the Cheonan crisis while
mobilizing all sorts of threats to provoke South Korea. It turned rancorous
after months of conciliatory gestures since summer of last year failed to
work.
Its rhetorical attacks may also be a way to pre-empt a potential South
Korean military response after a full-fledged investigation confirms North
Korea’s involvement in the Cheonan disaster. We should be on full alert for
the North’s next provocations with determination.
But first, the government needs to find stronger footing. It must be
thorough with its investigation into the sinking so that there will be no
internal divisions. The public should also remain patient until the civilianmilitary
probe reaches a conclusion on the exact cause of the accident.
Most of all, the government and the military must build a road map of
contingency plans against the North for when it is proven to be the culprit.
A credible and reasonable plan will draw united support from the public
and cooperation from the international community.
The military disappointed us with its poor risk management during the first
few days following the tragic incident. However, the military is our last
resort in a crisis. If our armed forces are shaken, our options in addressing
a crisis grow very limited. There must be no loopholes in defense. The
military must be fully equipped to act decisively in any circumstance.
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