How they see it
Negotiating with North Korea
1. The Korea Herald
President Park Geun-hye seems poised to push for what some commentators here have termed "critical engagement" with the North, seeking dialogue proactively while not shying away from addressing its human rights issues and nuclear programmes. But going down this path will be far from easy … Taking a flexible approach is necessary for carrying forward talks and promoting stability on the Korean peninsula. But it should still be recalled that unprincipled dialogue in the past only exacerbated, not reduced problems. Seoul officials need to draw a broader strategic map that gives them more flexibility without sacrificing their principles, by matching Pyongyang's needs and acts with the options at hand.
2. Global Times
It's an arduous task for Pyongyang to break the long spell of diplomatic isolation and catch up with its neighbours in development. In South Korea, the US and Japan, quite a number of people hold that the Korean peninsula won't witness a dramatic turnaround until subversive political changes take place ... North Korea must make a change, which is not only a result of the heightened pressure it faces, but also the judgment of its young leadership. The backwardness of North Korea will to some extent convert into political pressure ... It's normal that the country appears hesitant and capricious. But there is the moderate possibility that North Korea will turn to openness in the end.
3. The Washington Post
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, has not been seen in five weeks, fuelling questions about his physical or political health. But the malevolent system founded by his grandfather lives on. As the UN commission's report makes clear, its existence should not be acceptable ... Defectors have asked the Swiss government in a letter to freeze any financial assets held by members of the North Korean regime in Swiss bank accounts. It is not known whether Mr Kim and his cohorts have stashed fortunes there, but some news accounts have suggested as much. North Korea's leaders have paid attention to efforts to cut off their source of lucre. An asset freeze would be another way to get their attention.
