A plastic bag carrying what appears to be trash that crossed the inter-Korean border with a balloon believed to have been sent by North Korea, Seoul, June 2, 2024. South Korea Defense Ministry/Handout via REUTERS/File PhotoBUSAN, South Korea: North Korea has demonstrated yet again its refusal to meet even modest expectations for proper international behaviour. In the last few days, it launched
There is also a constitutional, free speech problem with blocking the balloon launches in a liberal democracy like South Korea. These counter-launches appear to be North Korea’s response.But they are a reflection of the lopsided inter-Korean competition. South Korean balloons are substantive and provide information to their recipients.
Diplomatically, North Korean immaturity undercuts its ability to conduct normal relations with countries all over the world. Many will not open posts in North Korea, for fear of their diplomats’ security.Commentary: If Putin needs North Korean weapons, he’s in trouble The solution to this existential dilemma is recognition and acceptance – for North Korea to become a proper state in the world rather than the weird, dysfunctional Korea no one likes.