politics

Japanese foreign minister warns against N Korea's 'smile diplomacy'

39 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© KYODO

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

39 Comments
Login to comment

No worries the smiles from North Korea, they will faceoff and flew their ballistic missiles again in easter.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"Nordic503Feb. 12 10:45 am JST

Nan - The NK cheerleaders are beautiful women."

What does beauty have to do with anything? We are talking about brainwashed human beings with no freedoms, facing the gulag if they step out of line. And you have the audacity to defend that??????????

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The way Moon is embracing NK's "smile diplomacy" and rushing into talks with Kim, I'm afraid that he will be duped into accepting a unified Korea with DPRK being the government.

Let's be realistic. That's not going to happen. Let's keep our discussion in the realm of realistic odds.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

The reality is that North Korean regime is very manipulative and always found a way to distract people from the issue which is at hands, nuclear issue, political murders 

This also applies to China and Russia; they are masters at manipulating world attention and distraction and diversion.

NK's "smile diplomacy" is distraction and diversion from attention to DPRK's real agenda and human rights abuse toward their people.....all in an attempt to soften SK, Japan and U.S. into thinking NK is becoming open to "democracy" and unification under DPRK will be more humane and democratic.

But stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, China is manipulating world attention on Korea while they are quietly making moves to quickly invade and annex Taiwan with the next 3-5 years. This will be an even bigger international crisis than Korea.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How anyone can ignore these truths and still romanticize North Korea like it's just been abused and misunderstood is disgusting.

Who is doing that?

nordic503 seems to think that the Kim just wants to defend North Korea against the massive international 'bias'. Bias against what? Mass starvation and executions?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Most everyone here seems to be in favour of a (re)unified Korea, but neglects to discuss who will be governing this unified Korea?

The way Moon is embracing NK's "smile diplomacy" and rushing into talks with Kim, I'm afraid that he will be duped into accepting a unified Korea with DPRK being the government. How does that sit with all of you, knowing their human rights abuse record?

Are you all willing to accept a Unified Korea under DPRK regime?

I think its naive and pollyanna wishful thinking to believe Kim and DPRK will become more democratic and humane any more than a leopard can (or will) change its spots.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

How anyone can ignore these truths and still romanticize North Korea like it's just been abused and misunderstood is disgusting.

Who is doing that?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Nice place. The sister has a beautiful smile (and she directs propaganda for the public executions for North Korea). NK is one of the deadliest regimes in history. Millions died in famine, 1/2 the country lives in abject poverty, etc. etc.

How anyone can ignore these truths and still romanticize North Korea like it's just been abused and misunderstood is disgusting.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Nordic503F and what will happen to them when they return? I mean do you really sympathize with them?

21 North Korea cheerleaders who traveled south in 2006 for an event and later said what they saw after they returned home ended up in a prison camp.

Nice place. The sister has a beautiful smile (and she directs propaganda for the public executions for North Korea). NK is one of the deadliest regimes in history. Millions died in famine, 1/2 the country lives in abject poverty, etc. etc.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

No one wants to see any kind of military aggression, least of all the S Koreans however, they only need to recall the history of the second war and what happen to the Europen Jewish population to understand what a reunionfication with the north would be under the present regime. S Korea is an up an coming industrialized country and N Korea is a starving country with little to no industry or trade on the worldwide open markets in addition to the strong sanctions from the United Nations due to her continuing development of WMDs.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

DPRK is not fooling anyone, not even the SKoreans.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The reality is that North Korean regime is very manipulative and always found a way to distract people from the issue which is at hands, nuclear issue, political murders (just what happen in Malaysia recently) and economics sufferings of her own people.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Do me a favor and shut up! Let the Koreans handle the issues surrounding their Korean-family, and without any involvement from either USA or Japan!

You're involvements from the U.S and Japan has done more harm than good on the Korean Peninsula.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Reality check everyone. It has literally only been months since nuclear tests, missile launches, assassinations, and secret arms deals, then the Winter Olympics arrives and we want to open our arms, sing about peace, and let these nut jobs run their PR exercise! Are we that stupid.?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

its all fun and smiles until another missile flies over our heads. I am all for diplomacy but until NK keeps at least ONE promise the sanctions need to stay in place.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Jealousy? The menage à trois doesn’t seem to augur well for Japan.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

This is classic trump. Getting people or countries to do his dirty work.

Trump is seriously angry with South Korea for budding up to KIM, but is even more angry as he is getting zero input into North Korean activities.

So trump gets a Japanese Government Minister to say what trump is thinking.

trump is so shallow, so transparent,so obvious so offensive in his tactics.

Fake news, Fake news. Yeah yeah heard it all before

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Nan - The NK cheerleaders are beautiful women. They are bringing smiles and joy to the people watching the game and those playing as well. They have done nothing wrong and harm no one and only bring smiles. Why is it needed to make fun of them? There is so much biased against North Korea it is easy to see why the country feels the need to make a strong defense. Even a beautiful thing is made fun of by people.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

Those NK cheerleaders remind me of the Fembots from the Austin Powers movie. Just waiting for Kim's sister to scream out, "Bring in the Femboooots!!

Truth can be stranger than fiction.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Mr. Commanteer - I only state the fact. If you will tell me where what I say is incorrect I would appreciate. I read Korean and yes I have read several books. I have also read several books about Korean War, WW2 from both sides. Do you read Korean? I think it is you maybe needs to see the other point of view.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

In America anyone can fire off a rocket, but NK cannot. Why?

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

Nordic, have you ever read even one book written by a North Korean? Or do you prefer to let your hate of the US completely cloud your judgement. I am not fan of USA policy, but the enemy of your enemy is far worse.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Crazy Joe. The reason Kim hates the Americans is they ravaged war on the North Korean nation murdering millions of Koreans. Korea has never invaded America and is acting in self defense. The Korean people did not ask the US to invade Korea.

The US dropped the nuclear bombs on Japan and is the only country to use them. Also the US dropping the 2nd bomb was a terror act (as the first was - but the 2nd showed the US wanted only to test this bomb on humans).

No other country in the world used such a bomb and North Korea has never invaded any other land.

-1 ( +8 / -9 )

The entire world knows it is simply the same strategy NK always uses to distract its detractors when tensions are high in an attempt to currie favours and put a wedge between current alliances. They have used this strategy from the start in order to keep its nuclear ambitions on the boil. However, it actually makes Japan look like the aggressor when they stand on the world stage the day after telling us what we ALL already KNOW like we are all some kindergarten children.

A foreign minister of any country opposed to NK’s current policy should simply say “We welcome any route containing dialogue to de-nuclearise the Korean Peninsula, however we will continue to follow our intended course of action using pressure via economic sanctions to slow the nuclear ambitions of North Korea”.

And Mr. Kono-San want his own private jet...sheesh! I’ll be happy to do the job and you only need to fly me business class!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Kim is not some misunderstood soul who just longs to peacefully reunite the two Koreas and become a democratic country. In no dimension would the US tolerate South Korea reuniting with the North and becoming a communist nation.

The real world exists. We know who Kim is and we know what the US wants.

The real reason Kim hates the Americans so much is that they are the only thing standing between him and his grandfather's dream.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

I agree with the other North Korea supporters here, North Korea is well within its rights to develop nukes to threaten destruction in America and Japan. The goal is unification and if America gets in the way of that, then the North may nuke America

-14 ( +4 / -18 )

North Korea is acting with class and integrity at the olympics. And this is the reward they get? It shows the bias of the world against them. 

So if a mass murderer shows up to dinner and behaves well (no threats or violence, and even a smile or two) for an evening, that's all it takes for you? You talk like you love the Korean people, but your words support their worst oppressor.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

@RealCDN - I think you should please tell me what, at these olympics, North Korea has done that is not showing class or integrity. Please be specific about these olympic games

-7 ( +6 / -13 )

more pimping of the next leader of the ldp and j inc.

-5 ( +5 / -10 )

In other words, beware of being duped & manipulated.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

North Korea is acting with class and integrity at the olympics. And this is the reward they get? It shows the bias of the world against them. Of course the leader Kim must defend his nation and therefore must develop these weapons or risk attack from the aggressor nations. The unification flag is a beautiful thing to see and it must bring joy to Koreans. In this case it seems Japan wants to make the situation worse.

-11 ( +9 / -20 )

His comments here come across to me as those of a self centered child who wasn't invited to the party and is pouting because of it!

I say more power to SK and NK if THEY can settle their differences without outside interference.

And so what if its only during the Olympics, at least they are together.

-4 ( +10 / -14 )

Unfortunately, there are many who have been fooled by NK in the South and even more useful idiot NK apologists around the world and even on JT who now think NK is a peaceful and well governed paradise with no human rights concerns and no hostile intentions.

Due to these gullible types and useful idiots existing, every hour needs to be a strong reminder that this is all a comical farce and pressure increased on this vile nation 100 times.

Unless NK gives up its nukes, they will have to be eliminated and they literally only have months to decide their fate

6 ( +15 / -9 )

The saddest part is that the naive must be reminded that this is all a sham. Unification - fat chance! Oh, unless NK assimilates the south. Hmmm... That wouldn't be good.

7 ( +15 / -8 )

Smiles and "dialogue" don't mean anything unless North Korea indicates that it is willing to end it's nuclear and missile programs and abide by multiple UN resolutions. Smiling and taking about the weather will not bring peace to the region or the world. Until then maximum pressure both in terms of economic sanctions and military preparedness is called for by all nations that have an interest in diffusing the North Korean threat.

6 ( +16 / -10 )

I agree; lay off, Konno. This smile stuff is all for cameras—-it’s called the Olympic Truce—- and one the Games are over it will be back to missile launches and threats.

2 ( +13 / -11 )

Is the inference that dialogue between enemies is somehow disadvantageous to reducing tensions?

I hope that is not Japan's position as that would be most specious!

3 ( +14 / -11 )

Japan can you please try to tone down the rhetoric for the time being! NK isn't fooling anyone at the moment, enjoy the Olympics!

-1 ( +17 / -18 )

What is the point of this? Why must the counter position be that Korea is going to have a peaceful games, and there's nothing Japan can do about it? Let sleeping dogs lie silly

-3 ( +12 / -15 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites