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Pressuring North Korea to Resolve Abductions Has International Support

In the United Nations, an online symposium was recently held on the issue of North Korea’s abductions of Japanese and citizens of other countries. It was aimed at finding a resolution to the issue.

Japan, Australia, South Korea, and the European Union jointly hosted the symposium. This was the first time since 2018 that South Korea had cohosted the event. (Watch the symposium on the UN channel in English.)

This marks a return under current South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to how things used to be. He emphasizes collaboration with Japan and the United States, whereas his predecessor Moon Jae In actively promoted a policy of reconciliation with North Korea.

Leaders attending the May G7 Summit also gave their full support for resolving the abductions issue. We might hope that establishing an increasingly tightening international diplomatic encirclement of the Pyongyang regime would lead to the immediate return of all abductees. But ultimately it is up to Japan to press for a solution at a summit meeting with North Korea.

Sincere Comments of the Participants
At the symposium, Takuya Yokota pleaded for closure. He is the younger brother of abductee Megumi Yokota and the representative of the Association of Families of Abductees. He said, “If the parents who are waiting for their abducted children are not reunited while they are still alive and well, it cannot be called a solution.”

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, who has the Cabinet portfolio for the abduction issue, also commented. He said, “It is extremely important for Japan to take the initiative to solve the problem and build top-level ties [with North Korean leaders.].”

He also emphasized, “We must not waste a moment as the time has come for us to boldly change the status quo.”

EDITORIAL | Pressuring North Korea to Resolve Abductions Has International Support

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