The party is over

It is necessary for the two countries to find an effective way to resolve the deepening anxiety of South Korea by embodying the declarative language of the two leaders.

PARK HYUN-YOUNGThe author is the Washington correspondent of the JoongAng Ilbo. On April 27, I got in a rideshare car in front of the U.S. Capitol. I was on my way out from covering President Yoon Suk Yeol’s speech to the U.S. Congress. As the driver had radio news on, news about Yoon’s speech was aired.

Less than one hour after the speech, a news segment was produced with excerpts of Yoon’s address. It could be dealt with as major news because it didn’t need to be dubbed. The English speech was a way to deliver the Korean president’s message to the general public in the U.S. and Congressional leaders.

If the purpose of Yoon’s state visit was to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, it can be considered successful. The president’s speech before a joint session of Congress gave Americans the impression that Korea is a “like-minded” country.

Could there be a better way to end the celebration other than a state guest singing an American song? After Yoon sang “American Pie,” a song evoking American nostalgia, U.S. President Joe Biden raised his fists and wrapped his arms around Yoon’s shoulders. Some even joked that Biden’s two hands are nuclear fists and the arms around Yoon’s shoulders represent a nuclear umbrella.

If the two leaders built trust and became friends, it would be a diplomatic gain. There will be no stronger relationship than being able to talk directly in urgent situations. Yoon did not just renew his image. The “Washington Declaration” by the two leaders is certainly an achievement as the U.S. has further strengthened its extended deterrence for the ally.

The U.S. president warned that a nuclear attack by North Korea is unacceptable and that such an action would lead to the end of the regime. He also said he would make all efforts to consult with the ally on the possibility of using nuclear weapons in the Korean Peninsula.

As the U.S. president has the absolute and sole authority over the use of nuclear arms, he has no obligation to consult with anyone. But Biden made a gesture that he would listen to South Korea’s opinion. In return, the country reconfirmed its pledge to abide by the obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. It is a promise not to arm itself with nuclear weapons.

The U.S. commitment to strengthen deterrence and South Korea’s commitment to denuclearization go together like a needle and thread. If Uncle Sam provides a reliable nuclear umbrella, there should be no reason for South Korea to develop its own nuclear arsenal.

Skeptics say that the Washington Declaration will not be enough to settle the public demand for nuclear armaments in the South.

If North Korea ratchets up the threats, such as conducting its seventh nuclear test, and if Koreans don’t feel any difference before and after the declaration, nuclear armament could be discussed again and become the focus of political battles.

It is necessary for the two countries to find an effective way to resolve the deepening anxiety of South Korea by embodying the declarative language of the two leaders. After the feast is over, difficult homework remains.