SEOUL -- A classical drama consists of five acts. Usually, the key part occurs in the third act. In this regard, the North Korea policy of South Korean President Kim Dae Jung may have something in common with classical theater.
Kim's efforts aimed at reconciliation with the North have reached a historic climax in the third year of his term: The unprecedented summit meeting with Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang in June of last year, followed by the Nobel Peace Prize guarantee Kim Dae Jung a position in the pantheon of Korea's national heroes.
At midterm, the president has achieved more than had generally been expected of him. In a democracy, it is not unusual that the opposition highlights negative points and has difficulty acknowledging the government's achievements. For this reason, when evaluating the Sunshine Policy I attach more weight to the judgment of foreign experts and analysts than to the opinion of the domestic opposition, which all too often is guided by partisan considerations. Beyond the shores of this country, the praise and admiration for Kim's policy is undivided.