Inter-Korean unification would come 'like dawn': presidential advisory panel chief

WASHINGTON, July 29 (Yonhap) -- Inter-Korean unification could come "like a dawn" in the not-too-distant future, the head of a South Korean presidential advisory panel has said, citing signs of problems in the North's domestic situation.

Hyun Kyung-dae, executive vice chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, made the remark during a speech Tuesday, saying North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has executed nearly 70 officials since taking office and his "reign of terror" is leading to a series of senior officials defecting from the country.

"The internal situation of North Korea's ruling class appears to be in an ominous state," Hyun said. "Situations on and around the Korean Peninsula make me have a feeling that South-North unification is not far away and would come like a dawn."

Hyun also noted that the number of market places in the North has risen sharply to nearly 400 as an increasing number of North Korean people engage in market activities to eke out a living without relying on the country's rationing system.

That could signal North Korean society getting out of Kim Jong-un's control, he said.

Hyun, a former five-term lawmaker considered one of the closest confidants of President Park Geun-hye, also noted that the North has not carried out any armed provocations since Park took office in early 2013, and that is the result of Park's principle that provocations would be met with punishment while dialogue would be responded with dialogue.

Hyun also called for a stronger and more mature alliance with the U.S., saying the alliance would play a key role in realizing unification with North Korea.

jschang@yna.co.kr
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