Drastic Improvement Expected in Inter-Korean Relations This Year

President Kim Dae Jung, on May 7, said that he expects a drastic improvement in inter-Korean relations this year.
In a luncheon meeting with 130 foreign journalists at Chong Wa Dae, Kim stated, 'I think there will be a striking moment in terminating the Cold War order on the Korean Peninsula as tensions between the two Koreas will be mitigated following this month's U.S. inspection of the suspected underground nuclear facilities at Kumchangri in NK and when the North positively evaluates the 'Perry Report' which is now under construction.
Asked to give details of the mentioned 'dramatic improvement', Kim said he could not give a more detailed one right now, but suggested it may include the resumption of dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang and the holding of economic cooperation conferences.
Regarding the controversial National Security Law, the president said the Justice Ministry is preparing to either revise the law or enact a new bill for enhancing human rights.
On the 'screen quota system ', Kim said it is highly unlikely that the Korean government will scrap the system at the moment since the domestic film industry is far behind the level of foreign motion pictures.'
Instead, he added, the Korean government will liberalize the film market on a gradual basis.
On chaebol reform, President Kim stressed, 'If chaebols delay reform, their creditor banks will levy heavy penalties on them .'

Shang-bok Shim : simsb@joongang.co.kr