One Step Further Towards a 'Peaceful Korean Peninsula'

Is peace possible on the Korean Peninsula?
Should we talk to North Korea?
Can peace be achieved through weapons?
Is unification absolutely necessary?

Recently, with the inter-Korean exchanges and inter-Korean summits, we have come to have high expectations for inter-Korean relations.
However, as military tensions and dialogues repeat, people may become disappointed or develop distrust of North Korea.
In situations like these, we must view the situation on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean relations from a peaceful perspective.
This will allow for more creative and diverse ideas about peace on the Korean Peninsula, and will contribute to the peaceful progress of inter-Korean relations.

This book examines the past and present of inter-Korean relations, marked by repeated military tensions and inter-Korean dialogue since the Korean War, and contains various stories about achieving peaceful coexistence and peaceful unification of the two Koreas.
This book examines issues such as whether true peace is possible on the Korean Peninsula, whether dialogue with North Korea is absolutely necessary, whether strengthening national defense can bring peace, and whether unification is absolutely necessary, from a peace perspective, and explores new ways to view and understand the problems of North and South Korea.

We understand a state of 'peace' as one in which no armed conflict occurs before our eyes.
It's not perfect, but I consider that to be 'living in peace'.
But people who live in countries where, unlike us, there is no military confrontation with their neighbors and no risk of conflict, would never consider our situation to be peaceful.
---In the text

The Korean War must be viewed and interpreted from various perspectives.
Through the stories of ordinary people who lived through the Korean War, we must examine and interpret our own lives, which are still affected by the war.
Above all, we must look at things with new eyes and think anew for the sake of coexistence between the South and the North, peace on the Korean Peninsula, and, furthermore, peaceful unification.
---From the text

The Korean War must be remembered as a tragedy on the Korean Peninsula.
It should be remembered not as a proud war that defeated North Korea and defended South Korea, but as a tragic event that took millions of lives and destroyed the Korean Peninsula.
We must remember this tragedy as one that has caused South and North Korea to point guns at each other and hate each other, and for the people of South and North Korea to hate each other.
We must remember this tragedy as one that has made our lives even more unpeaceful today.
Only then can we transform our unpeaceful lives into peaceful ones.
---From the text

Peace should be for all.
If we talk about peace between the South and the North for the sake of peace on the Korean Peninsula, it must be good for us, for North Korea, and for the people living there.
It's not clear exactly what peace for all would be.
That can only be known when the South and the North engage in dialogue, build trust, and then have an honest conversation.
So, we have no choice but to improve inter-Korean relations and continue dialogue.
If we choose to live safely and peacefully on the Korean Peninsula.
---From the text

Until now, I thought that national security was the top priority because we were in a situation of confrontation with North Korea.
I thought that national security should never be questioned.
Despite all our efforts to secure national security, our country and our lives have not become safe or peaceful.
Now is the time for us to change our mindset and perspective, like other countries.
We can live in peace only when we prioritize human security over national security.
Putting human security first gives us reason to consider ways to end the confrontation with North Korea.
To live a safe and peaceful life, we must consider other means than force.
---From the text

If South and North Korea can coexist peacefully, they can gradually move toward unification.
You can gradually overcome your fear of living together and decide whether unification is right for you.
You can also think about the reasons why unification is necessary and the method of unification.
So, in order to achieve peaceful unification, we must first consider peaceful coexistence.
---From the text

When you're having trouble deciding whether or not to engage in dialogue with North Korea, or when you're unhappy with its behavior, there's one thing to keep in mind.
The point is that we need to talk for ourselves, not for North Korea.
For our safety and peaceful life.
Fortunately, it also helps ensure the safety and peace of the North Korean people.
Above all, it is something that must be done because it will greatly contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula.
---From the text

Everyone living on the Korean Peninsula has the right to live in peace.
We are not talking about peace on the Korean Peninsula and emphasizing the importance of inter-Korean dialogue for political reasons.
To live peacefully every day.

---From the text