正文
In response to North Korea's latest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, South Korean President Moon Jae-in abruptly reversed his government's initial decision to make a thorough environment evaluation before deploying the US' THAAD anti-ballistic missile system and gave the green light to the tentative deployment of four additional THAAD launchers by US Forces Korea (USFK) in Seongju. The dramatic decision certainly disappointed China, which has been opposing THAAD deployment for a long time.
The decision may reveal two changes in Moon's thinking. The first change concerns inter-Korean relations. In the eras of Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, South Korea had been locked in a head-on confrontation with North Korea thanks to North Korea's repeated nuclear and missile tests.
Moon wanted to change course. He made it clear that he was willing to improve inter-Korean relations before assuming his presidency.
After winning the presidential election, Moon tried to deliver on his promises by reaching out to North Korea. He called to lift the ban on humanitarian assistance to North Korea and publicly invited North Korea to take part in the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games next year.
In the wake of North Korea's ICBM test in early July, Moon still pressed ahead with his rapprochement campaign. He gave a high-profile speech in Berlin on July 6, announcing, "My Government will consistently pursue nonpolitical exchange and cooperation projects by separating them from the political and military situation."
He even entertained the idea that he was willing to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un under the right circumstances. As a follow-up to the Berlin Speech, the South Korean government made concrete proposals to its north counterpart to hold military-to-military and Red Cross talks.
Unfortunately, Moon and his government's calls fell on deaf ears.
