May 9, 2024: Washington D.C., Day 4, Meetings at the World Food Programme (WFP), White House National Security Council (NSC)
“Will you continue to ignore the proliferation of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction?”
Hello. Today is the fourth day of Venerable Pomnyun Sunim’s meetings in Washington D.C. with U.S. government officials, members of Congress, and think tank representatives for peace on the Korean peninsula.
Sunim started his day at 5 AM with the 1000-Day Practice and meditation at the Washington Jungto Center.
After breakfast, he did some paperwork and left for Washington D.C. at 9:40 AM. He had a morning meeting with Congressman Andy Kim’s policy advisor to discuss issues related to peace on the Korean peninsula.
Andy Kim, a second-generation Korean-American, has worked at the U.S. State Department and Department of Defense before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, and he is likely to become the first Korean-American U.S. Senator. If he becomes a senator, he could significantly influence U.S. foreign policy. Sunim visited his office to request that he take actions that contribute to peace on the Korean peninsula.
Upon arrival at the office, the policy advisor warmly welcomed Sunim. Sunim suggested that to stop the proliferation of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction, the U.S. must actively improve its relations with North Korea, starting with a nuclear freeze rather than the approach taken so far.
Has Economic Sanctions on North Korea Prevented Nuclear Development?
“The risk of military conflict on the Korean peninsula is now very high, the highest it has been since the Korean War. We must find a way to reduce this tension. Inter-Korean relations have been severed, and the US’s dialogue with North Korea has also stalled. Therefore, an improvement in North Korea-U.S. relations needs to happen soon.
The current Biden administration maintains that the ‘U.S. is keeping the door open for dialogue, but North Korea has not responded.’ Despite 20 years of economic sanctions on North Korea, they have not stopped their nuclear development, and the suffering of the North Korean people has continued. If we maintain the status quo, another 20 years may pass in the same way.
If a war breaks out on the Korean peninsula, it will likely escalate into a nuclear war. North Korea is preparing for war with nuclear weapons because its economic and conventional military power is weak. Therefore, we must first reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation. Negotiating with nuclear disarmament as a prerequisite is no longer feasible. It’s up to the U.S. to decide whether to ignore North Korea’s nuclear proliferation or reduce it. So, I propose that we stop nuclear proliferation. In the long term, we should aim for nuclear disarmament, but we must start with a nuclear freeze. The U.S. should propose the normalization of North Korea-U.S. relations. In other words, we need to reach an agreement on nuclear freeze and normalization of North Korea-U.S. relations.”
After hearing Sunim’s proposal, the policy advisor responded, “Yes, the congressman is also very interested in peace on the Korean peninsula. I will make sure to convey your wishes well.”
Finally, Sunim emphasized the need for efforts to alleviate the pain of separated families, such as promoting reunions of separated families from the North and South, and the Pyongyang Tree Burial project, which allows those who weren’t able to meet their separated families during their lifetime to at least to have their bones buried in their hometown after death. The advisor expressed strong agreement with Sunim’s suggestions.
“I am Indian-American. Because my family experienced separation during the independence of India and Pakistan, I deeply empathize with the issue of separated families in North and South Korea.”
After an hour-long discussion, they left Congressman Andy Kim’s office at noon.
On the way to the next meeting, Sunim once again had his box lunch on a bench in front of the botanical garden, enjoying a leisurely meal today.
After finishing the meal, he headed to the World Food Programme (WFP) office in Washington D.C. Upon entering the office, Jon Brause, the director, warmly welcomed Sunim.
Jon Brause, who has long been involved in humanitarian aid to North Korea as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officer in charge, is also an old friend of Sunim. Initially, Director Brause reflected on the past 30 years.
“I’m getting ready to retire from this office, and I was hoping that after 30 years, the world would be a little bit better than when I started, but it’s getting worse and worse. I hope it’s not my fault.”
Sunim responded with a smile,
“The world may get better or worse. No matter what happens, we do what we can to move in a positive direction.”
Sunim then asked which regions currently have the most critical food issues. Director Brause replied,
“We desperately need peace before food. Peace is needed in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, and many other places.”
Sunim agreed with the director’s perspective,
“Most areas in the world where people are struggling to survive are either in conflict or have unstable security. Myanmar needs support, but due to military control, there’s no way to help them.”
Sunim sought advice from the director on how to assist many countries currently facing difficulties, such as Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Sudan, Libya, and Syria. There are many people struggling to survive around the world.
Director Brause then asked Sunim about the current situation in North Korea.
“What is the situation with our favorite country?”
Sunim answered,
“North Korea’s status has changed significantly compared to before. Russia is using North Korea’s military actions to its advantage. As a result, North Korea has been exporting a lot of conventional weapons to Russia. Although it’s just conventional weapons, it has allowed North Korea to secure substantial military funds. Also, Russia’s military technology is being transferred to North Korea. By securing military technology and funds, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in North Korea will inevitably accelerate.
It seems the United States is not seriously considering this risk. They just think that a defense strategy where South Korea, the U.S., and Japan cooperate militarily will contain North Korea. But instead, this tripartite military cooperation is fueling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in North Korea. I think we need to stop this proliferation to reduce the risks. But right now, the U.S. is neglecting this situation.”
“Economic sanctions have not been effective, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is proceeding by securing funds. So how can we prevent North Korea’s proliferation of weapons of mass destruction? Wouldn’t China oppose this?”
“China is not specifically addressing North Korea’s military actions because tensions with Taiwan are escalating. If a conflict arises between China and Taiwan, a conflict on the Korean peninsula would be advantageous for China. Therefore, from China’s perspective, North Korea’s military actions are not necessarily bad.
Because the positions of China and Russia have changed from the past, North Korea is now in a more favorable position than before. North Korea’s need for negotiations with the U.S. has significantly decreased. Therefore, unlike in the past, the U.S. must intervene boldly. Proposing that North Korea dismantle its nuclear weapons in exchange for normalizing the North Korea-U.S. relations will not solve anything. The U.S. should propose that if North Korea freezes its nuclear program, the U.S. will normalize its relations with North Korea. We must bring normalization of the North Korea-U.S. relations to the forefront of negotiations. North Korea cannot accept nuclear dismantlement, but it might be interested in a nuclear freeze.”
“I think so. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past. Once economic development progresses to a certain level, North Korea’s need for nuclear weapons will gradually decrease. But if they continue to be under pressure like they are now, nuclear weapons will become a necessity.”
“I agree.”
“Let us pray together for America to think in new ways.”
“It’s not that there are no solutions. It’s that there’s no will to solve the problems.”
“It’s the same with all the problems happening around the world.”
“The UN’s economic sanctions on North Korea also have issues. They’ve banned North Korean workers from going abroad to earn a living, which is a wrong policy. North Korean workers need to earn a living abroad and bring money back home to stimulate the economy in North Korea. Frequent travel by these workers will also facilitate the flow of information within North Korea. This will gradually lead to changes inside North Korea.”
“You’re right. We need to change our thinking like you to solve the problem.”
“The outcome is up to the heavens, and all we can do is keep trying. That’s why I continue to do this.”
Sunim then detailed his sustainable development projects currently underway in Bhutan. Director Brause was very supportive of these significant projects.
After an hour and thirty minutes of conversation, they said their goodbyes. Director Brause shared that he would soon be retiring.
“I am retiring in July. If you come to America then, you will be able to see me taking care of plants in my yard.”
“Then, today might be my last visit to this office.”
“Maybe so.”
“Let’s continue our relationship regardless of your position. We have been working together for a long time to solve the food shortage for the people of North Korea. Although we haven’t been successful, we did our best.”
“I felt hope every time I met you. I could feel hope today too.”
They took a commemorative photo together, possibly for the last time at the WFP office.
Sunim had planned to visit Dr. John Merrill at this time, but Dr. Merrill asked to postpone the appointment by an hour, giving Sunim some free time. He took this opportunity to stroll around the White House, which is located right next to the WFP office.
It would be truly beneficial if Sunim’s earnest appeals could be directly conveyed to the White House. However, since that is difficult, Sunim must meet many people in person and persuade them. Despite this challenge, Sunim’s face was full of smiles, and his steps were energetic.
While Sunim was walking, he unexpectedly received a call from the White House. He had requested a meeting with the National Security Council (NSC) the previous day, without expecting any results. Surprisingly, Drew Albisthes, the East Asia and Mongolia Director at the NSC, responded today, proposing a meeting at 4 PM.
Sunim then went to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House and passed through the security checkpoint.
Drew Albisthes, the NSC Director for East Asia and Mongolia, came out to the security checkpoint to warmly welcome Sunim.
“I took over from Victor Cha, who was the Asian Affairs Advisor at the NSC during the Bush administration.”
“Nice to meet you. I am Pomnyun from Korea.”
Sunim first discussed the reason for his visit to the White House.
“The reason I visited the White House previously was due to North Korea’s food shortage crisis and refugee issues. My current visit aims to reduce the risk of war on the Korean peninsula.
Currently, the proliferation of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction is being neglected. Military cooperation between North Korea and Russia and their arms exports have enabled North Korea to secure military funding and introduce new technologies from Russia, heightening the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Of course, military cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan could serve as a countermeasure to North Korean provocations. However, it does not serve as a policy to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Without any control, North Korea is increasing its production of weapons of mass destruction, posing a significant threat to the Korean peninsula and East Asia.
Will You Continue to Ignore the Proliferation of North Korea’s Weapons of Mass Destruction?
However, the U.S. is merely waiting for North Korea to enter the dialogue arena and has not established any countermeasures. Economic sanctions have not been effective in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and have only exacerbated the suffering of the North Korean people. Therefore, I would like to make some suggestions on how to prevent the proliferation of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction.
North Korea’s status has changed significantly from before. Previously, North Korea was isolated from the international community, and its only option was to improve relations with the U.S. This allowed the U.S. to negotiate from a somewhat advantageous position. Now, the situation has changed. The UN Security Council is divided. North Korea is securing funds and technology for its military industry through military cooperation with Russia. They are receiving food and oil from Russia, which allows them to solve their basic survival needs. The improvement of relations with the U.S. is desired, but it is not as critical as before. Therefore, the current U.S. stance, ‘we are always open for dialogue,’ is not enough to bring North Korea to the negotiating table. This is tantamount to neglecting the proliferation of North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction.
I wish the U.S. would intervene more actively in this issue. Military actions will lead to war. Ultimately, the problem must be resolved through dialogue. Until now, the normalization of North Korea-U.S. relations required denuclearization. However, North Korea has already developed nuclear weapons, and it is unrealistic to expect North Korea to dismantle its nuclear arsenal immediately. What can be proposed to North Korea now is a nuclear freeze. To enforce a nuclear freeze, the normalization of North Korea-U.S. relations must be set as the initial stage of denuclearization. There must be an agreement on a North Korean nuclear freeze and normalization of North Korea-U.S. relations.
In simple terms, the choice is whether to allow North Korea to have a minimum amount of nuclear weapons or to let them have more. If we enforce a nuclear freeze now, we can limit them to a minimum. If we leave it unchecked, they will have more. If you think North Korea’s nuclear capability is a significant threat, it must be stopped quickly. North Korea, Syria, Iran—these countries have interconnected military industries. If missile technology is transferred to nuclear technology, it will pose a global threat. That’s why I believe the U.S. should actively intervene in this matter.”
Drew agreed with Sunim’s proposal.
“I think your visit to the White House is at a very opportune time. This is because we were considering policy changes because our previous policy toward North Korea had not been effective. Thank you for your great suggestion.”
“We need to think about what the goals of economic sanctions are. If the goal is to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the current economic sanctions are failing. If the goal is to make the lives of North Korean people miserable, then it is succeeding. The evaluation of the current economic sanctions against North Korea will vary depending on what the goal is. I am not interested in any political objectives; I’m interested in how we can bring peace to the Korean peninsula through dialogue. I’m looking for ways to alleviate the suffering of the North Korean people.”
“Next time I get the chance, I would like to ask how we can make humanitarian aid available to North Korean people.”
“Yes, we will do that.”
After an hour and thirty minutes of conversation, they agreed to meet again and concluded the meeting.
Sunim got in the car to go and meet with Dr. John Merrill in Fairfax, VA, located west of Washington D.C. He decided to visit Dr. Merrill to check on his health and seek advice on issues related to the Korean peninsula.
“He must feel quite lonely living alone.”
After an hour’s drive, they arrived at Dr. Merrill’s residence. Dr. Merrill, who has difficulty moving, was seated and greeted Sunim with a handshake. He was very pleased to see Sunim.
“Great to see you! How have you been?”
“Fine!”
“I wish I could say the same, but these days I’m kind of laid up so to speak.”
Dr. John Merrill formerly served as the Director of Northeast Asian Affairs at the State Department and has been a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, writing numerous journal articles since retiring. He has maintained a long-standing friendship with Sunim.
Sunim had an extensive discussion with Dr. Merrill about improving North Korea-U.S. relations and achieving peace on the Korean peninsula.
“I believe that because there is a high risk of war on the Korean peninsula, the U.S. needs to intervene actively. That’s why I came to Washington D.C. to meet many people and make proposals.”
“Have you met DeTraney?”
“Yes. I met with him and suggested that immediately after the U.S. presidential election, the U.S. should promptly work on an agreement for North Korea’s nuclear freeze. In order to do that, the U.S. needs to start preparing now.”
“It is too late for America to do anything. North Korea is probably waiting for Trump to come out with something.”
“It’s difficult for the U.S. to negotiate with North Korea right now because of the upcoming elections. Negotiating with North Korea would be disadvantageous for the election. Therefore, whether Trump or Biden becomes president, it’s necessary to quickly resolve the issue with North Korea immediately after the election. North Korea will not give up its nuclear weapons, so the U.S. should at least negotiate a nuclear freeze. Additionally, it’s important to activate North Korea’s market to allow information flow and internal changes.”
“You’re right. But most Americans won’t understand you. That’s just a pity.”
“I promised you last time that although we have not yet achieved our goal, I will make it successful. I am still younger and healthier than you, so I will ensure our efforts are not in vain.”
“Thank you.”
After an hour of conversation, Sunim wished Dr. Merrill good health and left his home.
Upon getting back in the car and returning to the Washington Jungto Center, it was 8 PM.
Tomorrow morning, Sunim will host a live broadcast for Korean viewers and then go to the Department of Defense to discuss peace on the Korean peninsula. After a luncheon meeting with Washington correspondents, he will conclude his visit to the U.S. Then, In the afternoon, he will head to the airport and depart for Korea on the 6 PM flight.
