Nuclear weapons threaten Korean Peninsula

Recent stalls in talks between the United States and North Korea over the suspension of the communist country's nuclear weapons program have brought increased awareness of the Korean Peninsula to Penn's campus.

In the culminating lecture of a series on Korea sponsored by the Center for East Asian Studies, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Korea to the United Nations Chun Yung-woo spoke yesterday on the issue.

Yung-Woo addressed what he called the "most pressing challenge" to Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula.

According to Yung-woo, a North Korea with nuclear capabilities would have "far-reaching and disturbing consequences" for South Korea and would significantly alter the "security calculus" involved in defending the country.

Security takes precedence over the "morals of the U.S. administration," he added. In effect, ... halting North Korea's nuclear program is South Korea's primary goal.

Yung-woo's hourlong presentation in Vance Hall included a history of nuclear weapon development in North Korea, the program's consequences for the world and prospects for the resolution of the issue.

As a U.N. ambassador representing South Korea, Yung-woo was able to present less frequently heard perspectives on North Korea's nuclear program.

Yung-woo highlighted the obstacles to a diplomatic resolution of the crisis due to the lack of trust between the United States and North Korea, given the latter country's reputation as a "serial cheater."

"Sometimes I see a ray of hope," Yung-woo said, but "the next day, I become pessimistic."

His candidness was appreciated by audience member E.J. Kuh, a Wharton junior who attended as part of his Asian and Middle Eastern Studies class, "North and South Korean Political Economies."

The talk provided a "nice change" from the usual indirectness of politicians, Kuh said.

Despite its being featured prominently in the news as of late, Americans "don't know too much about South Korea's position," College junior Rishiraj Das said.

Yung-woo fielded questions from the audience following his presentation, which was entitled "Confronting the North Korean Nuclear Challenge: Prospects for a Negotiated Solution."

Yung-woo is the Center for East Asian Studies 2004 Distinguished Lecturer.

The Center for East Asian Studies Social Sciences Seminar series is designed to inform faculty and staff about major world issues, according to the Center's Director, Cameron Hurst.

"We've been focusing on North Korea this year," Hurst said.

He added that he hopes lectures focusing on current events and issues, such as this one, will attract students and members of the University community.

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