Special to WorldTribune.com

By Lee Jong-Heon, EastAsiaIntel.com

SEOUL — North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un is much more fearful of a U.S.-led human right offensive than financial sanctions, analysts here say.

“Kim’s concern was reflected by his New Year’s message that emphasized mending ties with South Korea,” a senior government source said. “By creating a reconciliatory mood with South Korea, Pyongyang wants to deflect international human rights criticism,” he said.

Kim called for a “big shift” in inter-Korean relations, declaring that he is willing to hold summit talks with South Korea. “Depending on the mood and circumstances to be created, there is no reason not to hold the highest-level talks,” Kim said.

The New Year’s message was unusual in that it focused on improving ties with Seoul, usually singled out, if at all, only for denunciation. Of the 10,504 words in the message, 2,007 were on inter-Korean relations, according to Unification Ministry officials here.

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