by Wonsuh Song
[Washington, D.C., October 31] – The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) Global Strategy Special Committee hosted a conference in the Washington, D.C. area, where PUAC Secretary General Tae Yong-ho delivered a keynote address outlining South Korea’s vision for peaceful unification on the Korean Peninsula. Centered around the recently introduced “August 15th Unification Doctrine” by President Yoon Suk-yeol, Tae’s speech emphasized the significance of unification education, engaging with North Korean citizens, and expanding international cooperation, captivating the attendees’ attention.
In the opening of his keynote, Tae highlighted the urgent need for public education on unification. “The most critical element of President Yoon’s Unification Doctrine is education for unification,” he stated, stressing the necessity of raising public awareness. Unlike previous administrations, this policy provides a clear vision of a united Korea as a “free, stable, and prosperous nation contributing to global peace.” Tae encouraged PUAC advisors to actively spearhead educational efforts nationwide to build widespread support for unification.
Another key aspect of this doctrine is its focus on communicating directly with North Korean citizens rather than the North Korean regime. “Previous unification policies were largely based on cooperation with North Korean authorities. Now, the emphasis is on fostering the unification aspirations of North Korean citizens,” Tae explained. He elaborated that the growth of market economics in North Korea is a sign of change and that helping North Koreans envision unification with South Korea is now a priority.
Tae’s address also explored the impact of South Korean pop culture in North Korea, highlighting how South Korean dramas and films have become powerful influences among North Korean youth. “Although the Kim Jong-un regime strictly controls access to South Korean content, young North Koreans are increasingly captivated by it, contributing to cultural shifts within North Korea,” he noted, adding that these changes signify a shift within the society itself.
Further emphasizing international collaboration as a central pillar of the unification strategy, Tae urged PUAC advisors to connect with politicians and organizations worldwide, particularly in the U.S., to foster support for peaceful unification. He stressed the importance of building alliances to reinforce Korea’s unification goals and raise awareness of North Korean human rights issues. “Our advisors abroad must strengthen ties with local political spheres and advocate for Korea’s vision for unification, ultimately helping foster global solidarity,” Tae stated.
During his closing remarks, Tae encouraged attendees to visit the Holocaust Museum and the Victims of Communism Museum in Washington, D.C. He emphasized, “History teaches us that ignoring human rights abuses results in widespread tragedy. We must raise international awareness of North Korea’s human rights situation and promote active involvement in the movement for unification.” Citing the American Holocaust Museum’s message, he argued that ignoring distant suffering ultimately impacts one’s own community.
Tae Yong-ho, Secretary General of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, delivers a keynote at the Washington Conference of the Global Strategy Special Committee (Photo: Wonsuh Song)
Tae concluded by expressing skepticism regarding the sustainability of North Korea’s regime, pointing to the growth of South Korean influence among North Korean youth as a factor that could lead to internal destabilization. “Young North Koreans are beginning to dream of a better life inspired by South Korean media. This cultural aspiration could profoundly impact the future of North Korea,” he stated, suggesting that a Korean-led unification could become increasingly viable.
In his final appeal, Tae urged PUAC advisors to advance public understanding of unification in their communities and increase engagement with political leaders. He closed by asserting, “Unification is not merely a distant hope but a real possibility that we can achieve with strong international support.”
This Washington conference, held under the theme “Beyond Borders, Uniting as One” served as a platform for PUAC to share an in-depth vision for unification, emphasizing the necessity of public and international support for this cause.
Secretary General Tae Yong-ho joined South Korea in 2016 after serving as the North Korean Minister Counselor in the UK and later served in the 21st National Assembly as a People Power Party executive. He assumed his role as PUAC Secretary General on July 22, 2024.
Wonsuh Song (PUAC Global Strategy Special Committee Member)
