[Editorial ] Only Key Is to Change the U.S. Sentiment

A Korean President Roh Moo-hyeon arrived in the U.S. for a summit on May 11, the Washington Post issued a special feature on Kim Jong-il, Chairman of the National Defense Commission of North Korea, as if it had been waiting for the South Korean leader`s arrival. It was rife with negative descriptions about the North Korean leader. A representative U.S. newspaper described the leader of North Korea as a `cruel dictator` right when the president of South Korea arrived in the U.S. It is hard to believe the timing is a coincidence. It may have been trying to send him a message: we don`t tolerate a dictator who is making a fool of the world with his nuclear weapons, and you, the President of the Republic of Korea, better get on track in your attitude towards Kim Jong-il.

The New York Times also published a provocative article saying that the U.S. government learned from its war in Iraq how to threaten other similar states. Even though the U.S. welcomes President Roh, its terse words are more than a sign that in criticizing Kim, they are also pushing for the South Korean president to stand more firmly in his relationship with his allies.

The atmosphere in the Bush administration is also doubtful. Secretary of State, Colin Powell is not in the U.S. It is unusual that teh Secretary of State is absent when President Roh visits the U.S. to discuss various diplomatic issues. It is suspected that the administration intentionally blocked President Roh from meeting with Powell, a dove in the U.S. administration.

The cold atmosphere in the U.S. is perhaps an outcome of misunderstanding between Korea and the U.S. This summit should be used as an opportunity to change the U.S.`s negative attitude toward Korea. And fortunately, President Roh promised that he would resolve the doubt the U.S has for us. He should make all efforts to eliminate distrust between the two countries not only at the summit with President Bush but also in speeches addressing U.S citizens and press conferences with PBS, an public-owned broadcasting company in the U.S.

A complete recovery of Korea-U.S. relations is almost impossible unless public sentiment towards Korea moves in a more favorable direction. President Roh is alone this time in correcting the U.S. people`s incorrect perception that he is a supporter of Anti-Americanism.