News that an invitation for North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, scheduled to be held in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, this October, is under consideration has sparked heated debate within diplomatic circles. While inviting the supreme leader of North Korea, a non-APEC member, is not unprecedented, the potential ramifications are significant given the complexities of the Korean Peninsula situation and international relations.

Why the Discussion About Inviting North Korea? 

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, in a press briefing on the 24th, drew a line by stating, "North Korea is not an APEC member, so in principle, it is not eligible to attend the APEC Summit." However, the official also left open the possibility of an invitation by adding, "In accordance with recent custom, the chairing nation can invite non-members to hold an informal meeting on the occasion of the Summit." This falls within the discretion of the South Korean government, as the APEC chair, and there have been past instances where the chairing nation invited leaders of non-member countries or representatives of international organizations. For example, the UN Secretary-General was invited to the 2014 APEC Summit in Beijing, China, and the President of Laos was invited to the 2017 APEC Summit in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Government officials interpret this review of a North Korean invitation as part of the Lee Jae-myung administration's efforts to improve inter-Korean relations. Amid recent conciliatory gestures aimed at improving ties with North Korea, such as the complete halt of anti-North Korea propaganda broadcasts, an invitation to the APEC Summit can be seen as an attempt to reinforce this stance and bring North Korea into the international arena. Analysts suggest that if Chairman Kim attends the Gyeongju APEC, it could be an opportunity for North Korea to present a more open image to the international community and to create new momentum for denuclearization and the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

Realistic Hurdles and Expected Effects of the Invitation 

However, inviting Chairman Kim Jong Un to the APEC Summit faces several realistic hurdles. The biggest challenge is gaining the consent of APEC member economies. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stated, "If North Korea is invited, consultation with APEC members is also necessary," and "There are currently no discussions within APEC regarding North Korea's participation in this year's APEC Summit." Given APEC's emphasis on consensus among its 21 member economies, it is expected to be difficult to secure the agreement of all members, especially since the international community's view of North Korea remains unfavorable. Key member economies such as the United States and Japan maintain strong sanctions against North Korea's nuclear and missile development, making their cooperation a crucial factor.

Furthermore, it is widely believed that the likelihood of Chairman Kim Jong Un accepting an invitation to an APEC Summit hosted by South Korea is not high. North Korea has been very cautious about its supreme leader's overseas visits, and there could be significant political burden in participating in an international event held in South Korea. Even in the past, when inter-Korean relations were in an improving phase, a visit by the North Korean supreme leader to the South did not materialize.

Nevertheless, the mere discussion of this invitation holds significant meaning. It presents an opportunity for the South Korean government to express its strong commitment to improving relations with North Korea, while also demonstrating to the international community the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving issues on the Korean Peninsula. Even if North Korea does not accept the invitation, this proposal could serve as a positive signal for future inter-Korean and DPRK-US relations. There is also an expectation that by creating a forum for economic exchange and cooperation within the framework of multilateral cooperation like APEC, it could encourage North Korea's opening up and contribute to long-term stability and prosperity in Northeast Asia.

Future Outlook: Cautious Approach and International Cooperation 

Currently, it remains uncertain whether Chairman Kim Jong Un will attend the Gyeongju APEC Summit. The South Korean government states that it is carefully reviewing the matter, taking into comprehensive consideration various factors such as APEC's fundamental purpose, this year's theme and key priorities, and bilateral relations with the potential invited country. Furthermore, it appears crucial to secure the support of the international community through sufficient consultation and cooperation with APEC member economies.

This discussion about inviting North Korea goes beyond a simple diplomatic gesture; it clearly illustrates the changing dynamics of the Korean Peninsula and the complexities of international relations. International attention will be focused on what decision the South Korean government will make and how that decision will impact the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. The South Korean government must continue its balanced diplomatic efforts to demonstrate its willingness to resolve issues through dialogue with North Korea, while also addressing international concerns and encouraging North Korea's denuclearization.