The decision of the DPRK to accept President Kim Dae-jung's proposal of a summit meeting between the two Korean leaders came as a surprise to many observers. Up to date, the North has preferred to confine its relations with the South to unofficial exchanges, with an emphasis upon economic and cultural interaction. Political efforts have been directed primarily at achieving recognition from such key nations as the United States and Japan, and more recently, with a wide range of European and Asia-Pacific countries.
Outside observers can only speculate on possible reasons.
Perhaps the hope is that with official contacts, ROK financial aid and investment can be accelerated, the impasse in relations with the United States ended, and recognition from other nations, including Japan, given support. Perhaps the North feels more capable of entering into negotiations with the South at this point, given some alleviation of its past economic crisis and certain gains in international recognition. Perhaps North Korean leader Kim Jong-il now feels sufficiently confident in his power to fulfill the legacy of his father whose pledge of a summit remained unrealized due to his untimely death. Perhaps it is hoped that this action will demonstrate before the citizens of both North and South the commitment of the DPRK government to reunification, thereby enhancing its image. Whatever the reasons, one must be cautious at this point in seeking to discern the future course of South-North relations.