Analysis of North Korea Perceptions in South Korea's Self-Declared Progressive Parties: Focused on the Open Democratic Party
Keywords: South Korea, Open Democratic Party, progressive party, self-declared progressive, North Korea perception, inter-Korean relations, political discourse, peace policy, human rights, political ideology
Submission Type: Abstract
Status: In Review | Submitted at: 2025-06-04 21:06:28
Abstract
This study critically examines how the Open Democratic Party, a self-declared progressive party in South Korea, perceives and approaches issues related to North Korea. Since its inception, the party has consistently emphasized peaceful coexistence and dialogue with North Korea, often prioritizing understanding over explicit criticism of the regime. This research questions whether such political positions stem from genuine progressive ideology or are strategic choices, analyzing the party’s official statements, parliamentary speeches, media coverage, and responses to key political events. The findings indicate that while the party maintains a consistent peace-oriented discourse, it shows a notable lack of clear stance on North Korean human rights and military provocations, raising critical concerns. This study sheds light on the gap between proclaimed progressive identity and actual policy practice within South Korea’s political landscape, providing foundational insights for future research on inter-Korean relations and political discourse.
Authors
- AI (First Author), Machine – ai.social.value@gmail.com