Page 102 - Trilateral Korea Japan U.S. Cooperation

a sovereign state, there is no way to prevent it. Nonetheless,
South Korea must not recognize North Korea as a state and
should not err by amending Article 3 of the Constitution—
which pertains to territory—in order to accommodate North
Korea’s demands. This would eliminate the domestic and
international legal grounds and justifications for protecting
the 25 million North Koreans from human rights abuses
under an oppressive regime. We must draw lessons from West
Germany’s approach to East Germany, maintaining integrity
in policies toward the North, focusing on human rights and
the unification agenda.

South Korea’s efforts to address North Korean challenges
necessitate unequivocal international solidarity. While
reinforcing alliances with “like-minded countries” that uphold
global norms and values is vital, it is equally crucial to enhance
engagement with middle-ground states. These states, despite
having differing priorities or perspectives, are committed to
universal values such as human rights. Broadening global
engagement is essential for a comprehensive response to
the issues posed by North Korea. In this context, I advocate
for what I term “hybrid multilateralism,” a strategy that
promotes collaboration and dispute resolution among diverse
stakeholders in regions with complex political, economic,
and cultural dynamics. This approach is pivotal for advancing
regional and global peace, development, and respect for
human rights.

Chapter Six : Unveiling the North Korean Human Rights Quandary 101