The archbishop of Seoul, who also serves as apostolic administrator of Pyongyang, has expressed regret over the growing rift between North and South Korea.
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Archbishop Peter Soon-taek Chung of Seoul has expressed deep concern over the growing divide between North and South Korea, warning that hope for reunification among the younger generation is rapidly waning.
“I think many young people in the South are beginning to think that reconciliation or reunification are not viable paths,” he said in a recent interview with the Vatican. “Hope is diminishing.”
North Korea has recently cut off all roads and railway lines leading to South Korea, which is said to be a drastic measure on its part. The North Korean military has announced a “complete separation” of the two countries’ forces. The North Korean military has also revealed intentions to “permanently isolate and block the southern border.” For this reason, this measure has been described as a “self-defense measure to avoid war.” The symbolic act occurs at one of the highest points of tension between neighboring countries in recent years. Archbishop Chung described this situation as desperate and stressed the need to continue working for peace.
“I think it is appropriate to dream of peaceful coexistence and keep the light of hope burning in Korean society, especially today when the current standoff and complete communications blockade make the situation seem very bleak,” he said. Regarding the apostolate of the Church, he also said that apostolic prayer and peace must be promoted, in this context the Church always needs to ask itself what should be done for peace.
Bishop Simon Kim Ju-young of Chuncheon, chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Reconciliation, echoed the archbishops’ concerns and drew attention to the complete breakdown of negotiations on humanitarian issues.
“Both sides view each other with hostility and all channels are closed, including humanitarian aid channels, which in the past were kept open,” he lamented. Despite this divisive situation, Bishop Kim emphasized how to approach North Korea: “Regarding sending humanitarian aid to North Korea, all Koreans agree. But North Korea is blocking all channels, even humanitarian ones.” North Korea’s current actions may also have international implications. Observers say conflicts in Europe and the Middle East have boosted North Korea’s arms sales, which are boosting its economy and reducing its dependence on foreign aid. This economic shift highlights the regime’s growing isolation and resistance to reunification with South Korea.
