The National Unification Advisory Council (Executive Vice-chairperson Yoo Ho-yeol, Secretary General Kwon Tae-oh) hosted the 20th Expert Debate on South-North Relations at Maremons Hotel in Sokcho for 2 days from February 16 (Thu) to 17, in order to provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion. This debate was held as a free discussion on the topic “Prospects of South-North Relations in 2017 and Role of NUAC” without a separate motion in place.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Executive Vice-chairperson Yoo Ho-yeol expressed gratitude to experts who came to Sokcho to attend the 20th Expert Debate on South-North Relations. “During this time of instability in Northeast Asia due to North Korea’s nuclear/missile development and provocation as well as the new Trump administration, the year 2017 is more important than any other, and NUAC must reestablish its role in order to prepare for unification,” he stressed.

This debate, chaired by Nam Koong-young, Professor of Hanguk University of Foreign Studies, was held on the topic “Prospects of South-North Relations in 2017 and Role of NUAC.”

Participants expect that, “even in 2017, the North Korean nuclear issue will serve as a core element defining South-North relations amid continued sanctions against North Korea,” and that “the first half of the year will see increased uncertainty as North Korea strengthens its search and propaganda warfare until the Trump administration establishes its policy and direction on the Korean Peninsula.”

They had a heated debate on the prospects of South-North relations and direction of future policy. According to them, the main factors that can affect changes in South-North relations this year are the US-China relations, results of North Korea-US relations, internal affairs of North Korea, and policy direction of South Korea’s next administration.

“As the central body of a national movement with the constitutional duty of opening an era of unification, NUAC will not be swayed by unstable conditions but strengthen advice/recommendation on the unification policy and play a crucial role in spreading national awareness of unification,” they stressed.

This day’s debate ended after 25 experts on South-North relations expressed unhindered passion for preparation for unification. Meanwhile, the 21st Expert Debate on South-North Relations is planned to be held in November.