Jeong Dong-young's Struggle and Cho Hyun's Realism [Morning Sunlight]

The article draws a parallel between the despair felt by Koreans in the 1920s following the failure of diplomatic efforts for independence and the current anxieties surrounding North Korea's nuclear threat. It recalls journalist Kim Dong-sung's realization after the Washington Naval Conference in 1921-22 that Korean independence was impossible without Japan's consent, leading to a sense of national despair.

In that historical context, Song Jin-woo, a prominent independence activist and president of the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper, advocated for a pragmatic approach. He proposed 'autonomy' under Japanese rule, suggesting the establishment of a Korean assembly to discuss budgets and politics. While a pragmatic solution for the time, the article frames this as a 'shameful' concession, predicated on accepting colonial rule.

“

The meeting's purpose was to avoid conflict between Japan, Britain, and the United States (omitted) and it is not difficult to infer that issues concerning small nations were not on the agenda. It was keenly perceived that Korean independence was utterly impossible without Japan's consent. Korean independence is currently desperate.

Fast forward to 2026, the article posits that South Koreans grapple with the potential permanence of North Korea's nuclear threat and the instability of the South Korea-US alliance. The failure of the 'Sunshine Policy' and strains on the alliance are highlighted, alongside North Korea's declaration to exclude South Korea from its definition of 'compatriots' and its frequent nuclear threats.

“

Korean independence is something no one does not hope for from the beginning, but even if one hopes for it, it will not be realized immediately. (omitted) As a matter of realism, we hope for politics that are close to the ideals of us Koreans, achievable under the current governor's rule.

Amidst this tension, the article contrasts the diplomatic strategies of Unification Minister Jeong Dong-young and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. Jeong proposed pursuing North Korea-US summit talks and establishing a four-party dialogue, a plan Cho dismissed as "idealistic hope." While acknowledging the practical difficulties of diplomacy, the article notes that Jeong's efforts, potentially aligning with Donald Trump's unpredictable diplomacy regarding Iran, are creating a unique dynamic. However, it warns against optimism, cautioning that a failure to pursue wise diplomacy could lead to the official recognition of North Korea's nuclear status.

Ultimately, the piece argues that history is not solely shaped by pragmatic realism but also by "mysteries" and "desperate struggles." It references the 1932 bombing by Yun Bong-gil in Shanghai, an act that, despite its apparent irrationality, influenced Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek and ultimately contributed to the Cairo Declaration's promise of Korean independence. The author concludes that without taking significant risks and striving desperately for a goal, nothing truly meaningful can be achieved.

“

Based on idealism, it is hope.