The regular publication of the General Association of North Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) and an unofficial conduit of North Korean policy, Choson Sinbo reported on President Park Geun Hye’s inauguration speech on the 4th, declaring, “[We are] unable to hide our rage at the way Park emphasized the ‘abandonment of nuclear weapons’ and ‘change’ without a single syllable about implementing North-South agreements.”

The statement came in a piece entitled, ‘New South Chosun Regime Disappointing from Start’.

In her speech on February 25th, Park had stated, “Trust can be built up by dialogue and by keeping our promises. I hope that North Korea can abide by international rules and make the right choices, so that the ‘Korean Peninsula trust process’ can move forward.”

Park also said; “We will not accept any action that threatens the lives of the people and the security of the Republic of Korea. The recent nuclear test presents a challenge to the survival of our people and their future, and [North Korea] must clearly acknowledge that the biggest loser here is none other than North Korea itself.”

However, Choson Sinbo slammed the comments, saying, “South Korea’s North Korea policy cannot look the nature of the acute situation on the Korean Peninsula in the eye, and this is plainly evident in the way they say the ROK-U.S. joint military exercises ‘Key Resolve’-‘Foal Eagle’ are annual while raising their passion for practicing the joint invasion of the North.”

Choson Sinbo also said on the 27th of last month, “If they distort the essence of the Chosun Peninsula nuclear issue to make it a prerequisite for dialogue and contact between South and North then they will not be able to create anything. This is the lesson of the previous administration,” adding, “The new regime head should not follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, who was labeled a ‘failed president’.”