조현의 현실론과 정동영의 몸부림 [아침햇발]

Kim Dong-sung, the journalist with the nickname '천리구', reported on the Washington Conference in 1921, which was held after the 3·1 Independence Movement had subsided. By this time, the expectation of '大한 독립' had faded due to the Treaty of Versailles and the lack of support from the Allied Powers. The only remaining option was a military conflict over Pacific dominance between the US and Japan.

However, Japan chose to accommodate the United States by making concessions at the conference. Upon returning, Kim Dong-sung pondered what thoughts crossed his mind. In a document written by the General Government of Seoul, he noted, "The purpose of the conference is to avoid the collision of the three great powers (중략) so that minor national issues are not considered."

The only conclusion that could be drawn was that '조선 독립은 일본의 양해 없이는 불가능함을 감지하였다' - the path to Korean independence was impossible without Japan's consent. In this bleak situation, it was left to the leader of the Korean nation, Song Joon-woo, to find a solution. In the 2nd issue of '만주와 조선' in 1928, there is a brief interview with him.

Song Joon-woo stated, "Korean independence was never a hope, but if one must hope, let it be for a government that is possible under the current '조선의회' system." This 'self-government' notion was his final conclusion, but it was painfully embarrassing. While the Korean people were terrified of the prospect of Japanese colonial rule lasting indefinitely, in 2026, the people of Korea now face the fear of North Korea's nuclear threats becoming a permanent reality.

As the '햇볕정책' fails and the US-Korea alliance is threatened, the only solution seems uncertain. The current path forward is for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue a more realist approach, with Joon Myeong's proposal to manage the North-South-Middle East issue becoming a complex dance with Donald Trump's erratic behavior. However, it is clear that more careful diplomacy is needed, or we risk settling for 'North Korea's official recognition' instead of the desired 'peace'.