Unification Minister Kim Ha-jung Gives Guest Lecture “The unification policy of the Lee Myung-bak government is not hostile or aggressive toward North Korea: the focus is on coexistence.” On November 5, in the New Millennium Hall auditorium, Unification Minister Kim Ha-jung lectured on the subject of ‘The Objectives and Direction of the Current Government’s Policies Regarding North Korea’. “Many are concerned that the current government is making things difficult between the two Koreas, but this is not true. None of the governments, since the establishment of the Korean Republic in 1945, have been hostile toward North Korea. Our government is always open to communication and peace.” Providing statistical information, Minister Kim stated, “Despite the Geumgangsan shooting on July 11 this year, trade between us and North Korea has been consistently on the increase and various cooperative projects are being conducted more actively than ever. As of September 2008, the number of people visiting North Korea per month is 14,821, a 16.6 percent increase from the previous month and a 13.3 percent increase from the same period last year. An average of 577 cars and 21 ships cross the border every day. The trade as of September has amounted to 1.4 billion dollars, 13.4 percent up from last year’s numbers.” Minister Kim also responded to criticism regarding the current government’s policies. “A total of 88 buses transport employees to and from the Gaesung industrial complex, but this number has proved insufficient, and we are planning to add 100 more buses. In a period when trade and human relations are so active, I wonder how some can say that the South-North relations are taking a bad turn.” Affirming the government’s position, Minister Kim added, “The current government has never denied the June 15 agreement and proposed friendly support to the North. Our support will not be unconditional, but based on principle and mutual respect.” Minister Kim introduced the government’s “Denuclearization / Open-door / 3000 Plan”. To reach the goal of a peaceful unification, the government is planning five projects to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea, bringing up the North Korean average annual income to 3,000 dollars, and enhancing the North Korean economy, education, finances, infrastructure, and daily life. This is a pragmatic approach designed to create a new structure for peace on the Korean peninsula. Meanwhile, Minister Kim touched on the recent American presidential election results, saying that the concern expressed by some that the North Korean government may turn away from South Korea to the U.S. was unwarranted, “considering the reality of the Korea-U.S. relations.” When Yonsei junior Yoon Seong-Yong, a former resident of North Korea, pointed out the lack of consideration for former residents of North Korea and the issue of unification, Minister Kim promised efforts to enhance the welfare of former North Koreans and to foster a nation-wide awareness of the situation.