The South Korean government owes the families of those S Korean POWs and abductees nothing less than the full faith and force of their government in getting them out. There is a good chance most of them are dead/murdered, but if even one is still alive, the ROK cannot squander the oportunity.

“As usual, SK is getting the short end of the stick in its appeasement policies.” South Korea is not just getting the short end of the stick, it is asking for the short end.

As usual, SK is getting the short end of the stick in its appeasement policies. Or is it? It does seem to be a plan to delay reunification for a long time and who pays for it? The taxpayers, of course. I just keep waiting and wondering what kinds of dividends the South is going to see from this appeasement policy.

Just give appeasement a chance.

The “jiwon” on KCNA is 志願, not 支援. Another KCNA piece on the father of all fathers and grandfather of all sons

Idea of aim high
Pyongyang, March 21 [2000] (KCNA) — Kim Hyong Jik, an indomitable revolutionary fighter, set forth the idea of “Jiwon” (aim high) in the early 20th century. This is a precious spiritual heritage for the Korean people.
“Jiwon” means to have a lofty aim.
Kim Hyong Jik said: If I fall in battle, my son will continue the fight= if my son cannot accomplish the cause, my grandson must fight until we win our nation’s independence.
These words carry the idea of “Jiwon.”

Indeed, “jiwon” is a very important idea in the relations between South and North Korea.

North Korea has reportedly asked for 500,000 tons of rice and 300,000 tons of fertilizer.

Or in Korean, “Buk, ssal 50man t. biryo 30man t. jiwon yocheong”

DPRK is only following the great idea of “jiwon”, developed by Kim Hyong Sik and followed and gloriously developed by his son Kim Il Sung and grandson Kim Jong Il; see for example a KCNA article:

The idea of Jiwon and the noble revolutionary legacy bequeathed by Kim Hyong Jik to the Korean people have been successfully carried forward by President Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il generation after generation and they are displaying great vitality even in the new century.
[...]
The idea of Jiwon and the noble revolutionary legacy are given steady continuity and shedding brilliant rays thanks to Kim Jong Il.
Kim Hyong Jik’s idea of Jiwon and exploits are shining more brilliantly in the march in the new century under the banner of Songun. [my emphasis]

…almost anywhere except North Korea.