Let's Build a Digital Platform on the Korean Peninsula

[정일영]

[The Korean Odyssey]

*A digital platform for the Korean Peninsula would be an opportunity to transform inter-Korean relations for the digital age. ⓒiStock

Il Young Jeong

Research Professor_Institute of Social Sciences_Sogang University

Inter-Korean relations are at a standstill. However, if you look around, this problem is not unique to the two Koreas. The world has yet to emerge from the stifling ‘tunnel’ it has entered since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. But a new world is opening up: the digital world. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital network world, making the seeming distant future our new reality.

In a crisis, there is opportunity. The coronavirus has spread around the world, but humans have opened up a new digital world in response. Inter-Korean relations should also move beyond the analog era and move into a new digital space.

Inter-Korean relations = face-to-face + fax machines + landlines?

South Korea, which leads the fourth industrial revolution (knowledge-based activities and pursuits), is one of the few countries where non-face-to-face classes are available to students of all ages. Yet, inter-Korean relations remain truly 'old school.’ The communication method for inter-Korean relations has not changed since the July 4 joint statement, which was signed in 1972. The two parties continue to conduct inter-Korean relations in-person, send documents over fax, and contact each other over landlines.

First of all, inter-Korean dialogue is conducted in-person. Since 1971, inter-Korean talks have officially been held 667 times, with numerous other working-level meetings held in North Korea and China. Yet, not once have these dialogues deviated from the framework of face-to-face talks. Isn’t this simply too inefficient?

Second, the two Koreas deliver official documents over fax. Fax is also used to receive invitations from the North or to communicate urgent matters. Of course, both sides consider it safer still to deliver the original materials directly rather than by fax.

Third, landlines are an important link between the two Koreas. Using landlines for our official communication channels is a testament to the fact that our communication methods remain stuck in the 1970s. This is the result of being trapped in the form and framework of keeping relations 'official.’

One might argue that the South might be prepared, but isn't North Korea too technologically behind? In which case, the natural question is, “What does North Korea think about the fourth industrial era, and are they making preparations to face this new era?”

North Korea Emphasizes 'New Century Industrial Revolution'

Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea is emphasizing its “Industrial Revolution of the New Century,” effectively North Korea’s fourth industrial revolution. This “Industrial Revolution of the New Century” has been defined as a "knowledge industry that uses the power of knowledge to run and develop the economy by integrating science and technology, production, knowledge, and the economy at a high level across all sectors of the people's economy."

North Korea has been placing particular emphasis on the call to build North Korea into an "economic powerhouse" through developing high-tech industries based on ICT (Information and Communications Technology). The logic behind this push is that in the face of sustained international sanctions against North Korea, the country should become a great economic power through the so-called “One Great Leap" [using technological advances to grow independently, as opposed to building economic power through increased trade or opening].

This emphasis on high-tech industry has so far been expressed through the cultivation of science and technology personnel, an emphasis on the implementation of computerized numerical control (CNC) across all fields, and the development of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and related artificial intelligence technologies. In spite of its chronic economic crises, North Korea has focused on software development over hardware.

Finally, it is known that the number of mobile phone users in North Korea has now reached 6 million. In particular, 'intelligent handphones' (smartphones) have long been an indispensable necessity in North Korean society. In addition, the North Korean authorities are trying to "transition mobile phones from a simple means of communication into information technology equipment for the Internet, finance, and payment.” When it comes to using a digital platform to transform inter-Korean relations, it’s possible that North Korea may be the more proactive player.

Let's Build a Digital Platform for the Korean Peninsula

A ‘Korean Peninsula Digital Platform’ seeks to resolve the existing analog communications method in a digital space. The digital platform offers an opportunity for more innovative ideas to be put into play and to create a new kind of inter-Korean relations.

First, inter-Korean dialogue would be replaced by dialogue over video chat. On the digital platform, not only can the respective Korean authorities communicate, but also various other actors promoting exchange - local governments, companies, civil society, social culture, arts, and sports - can communicate. We have already seen some success with this concept. During the Roh Moo-hyun administration, the two Koreas successfully conducted video reunions for separated families. Additionally, the Ministry of Unification’s Office of the Inter-Korean Dialogue recently installed an inter-Korean video conference system.

Second, digital platform could be used as a space where various participants from the two Koreas can sound out interest in exchange and economic cooperation, sign contracts (agreements), and make payments. An array of documents could be processed through electronic payment and participants can receive counseling and legal services in the process of signing contracts or agreements.

Third, the digital platform could go beyond the rigid space of meetings and contracts to be used as a venue for social and cultural exchange. We could also use the platform to hold concerts and exhibitions featuring South Korean, North Korean, and even foreign artists. In essence, we could create a Korean peninsula ‘metaverse.’

With the current harsh situation on the peninsula, the idea of a unifying digital platform or metaverse could be seen as fantastical or outright absurd. However, inter-Korean relations are all about timing. We must not miss opportunities when the ice in inter-Korean relations melts. In order to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, we must prepare in advance.

Prepare for the Future First

There will be many problems in building a digital platform on the Korean Peninsula. We will need to prepare for the international community's sanctions against North Korea, the shortcomings of existing legal devices, and above all, technical problems. When exactly, then, will we begin preparing? We have to start now.

South Korea's Ministry of Unification already operates an inter-Korean exchange system and a North Korea support informational system, although these are limited just to South Korea. Recently, the ministry also built a metaverse platform (DMZ universe) based around the DMZ and is implementing services on the platform. Now, we need to establish a digital platform where Koreans from both sides of the peninsula, overseas Koreans, and people around the world can work together.

Looking back, 2018 was a golden opportunity to restore inter-Korean relations. From the Panmunjom Declaration, the North Korea-U.S. summit in Singapore, to the Pyongyang Joint Declaration in September, some historic dialogues were held, and major agreements were made. But that was the end of it. Many agreements might have been made, but not much had actually been prepared. These missed opportunities were a painful mistake, and we must not forget the lessons learned.

When the window for peace on the Korean Peninsula opens, we must take concrete action. The window of peace does not wait for us.

*IL-Young Jeong is a research professor at Sogang University in Seoul. His key research interests include North Korea's social control system, inter-Korean relations, and peace on the Korean Peninsula.