As Kim Jong-un fires off more missiles and threats, South Korea’s hardline strategy is failing

Several North Korean missiles have been fired in response to US-South Korea drills as Pyongyang warns of war provocations, and talk in Seoul turns to nuclear arms

Rather than fanning the flames, the Yoon administration should focus on balanced diplomacy, dialogue and long-term stability and peace

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A “fire assault” drill at an undisclosed location in North Korea on March 10. Leader Kim Jong-un has called for the North’s “war deterrent” to be used in a “more effective, powerful and offensive” way. Photo: KCNA via Reuters

Gabriela Bernal

Dr Gabriela Bernal is a North Korea analyst based in Seoul, South Korea.

Published: 8:15am, 17 Mar 2023

Tensions are rising again on the Korean peninsula with US-South Korea military drills under way. North Korea has responded by firing missiles before and during the 11-day exercise, raising fears of a direct military confrontation.

It appears that the balanced diplomatic strategy South Korea has long pursued is being increasingly neglected. Given its complex geopolitical position, Seoul has had to strike a fine balance to ensure its long-term stability and security. Under the previous Moon Jae-in government, the country’s long-term diplomatic vision aimed to secure lasting peace through diplomacy, rather than military means.

But the current Yoon Suk-yeol administration has made a 180-degree turn, adopting a hardline approach centred around trilateral cooperation with Japan and the US. This strategy risks putting South Korea in a strictly pro-US bloc with unwanted consequences for its relations with North Korea, China and others.