A Big Bill for Kim's Visit

The Unification Ministry sought some 6.4 billion won ($5.6 million) for future inter-Korean summit meetings, including a planned return visit by the North Korean leader, according to a document filed for parliamentary inspection.

The disclosure of the document submitted to the National Assembly's Unification, Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee is likely to fuel controversy over what critics consider the government's excessive spending on inter-Korean exchanges.

Although the Unification Ministry secured only some 1 billion won after talks with the Ministry of Planning and Budget, it decided that the budget reserve would cover the remaining cost after the details of the visit by Kim Jong-il are confirmed.

A Unification Ministry official said the estimated cost of the visit was based on previous high-level talks held in Seoul. Mr. Kim's visit to the South was pledged when President Kim Dae-jung made a historic visit to the communist state in June.

The two sides have promised to work toward reconciliation, but at a high cost. According to the data, the South Korean government spent some 1.8 billion won on the first reunion of divided families in August.

Under the deal, the two sides agreed to cover the cost of the reunions in Seoul and Pyongyang. Expenses included not only lodging for the 100 North Koreans who stayed four days in Seoul at the Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel but all their meals and sightseeing in the city.

The South Korean government also covered some costs for its citizens who visited North Korea, paying for presents for their families in the North.

Furthermore, it was revealed that the South paid some $3 million and provided 20,000 television sets to the North for a visit by Pyongyang's circus troupe in May.

A senior Unification Ministry official told the JoongAng Ilbo English Edition that it will try to reduce the cost for the reunion of divided families set for next month, but failed to give an estimated cost.

Some officials have admitted that they have over- spent, saying, "The cost is in some ways inevitable to get the cooperation and exchanges going."

by Lee Young-jong