Revised education guideline describes N. Korean regime as "retrogressive"

(ATTN: UPDATES with more detail, comments at bottom)
SEOUL, July 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's latest teachers' guideline on the issue
of unification describes the North Korean regime as "retrogressive," reflecting
the current state of inter-Korean ties that have remained frozen since last year.

The 2009 version of the annual guideline produced by the state-run Education
Center for Unification (ECU) describes North Korea as having a "systematical
uniqueness that is retrogressive, controlled by the absolute authority of Kim
Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, and Juche (self-reliance) ideology."
In comparison, last year's version merely described the North's regime as "unique."
The guideline, published late last month, also said that Pyongyang is showing
"limited efforts" in opening its doors to the world, whereas last year's version
said that North Korea is seeking a "systematic, gradual reform and opening of its
doors."
The ECU also deleted a major clause included in last year's version that advised
teachers to "cultivate a sense of peace and mutual respect" when educating
students on unification.
The revision apparently reflects current inter-Korean ties that have eroded since
President Lee Myung-bak took office in February last year with a vow to link
cross-border rapprochement with North Korean denuclearization efforts.
North Korea, which remains technically at war with the South and conducted its
second nuclear test in May, has lashed out at Lee, accusing him of aligning with
U.S. hardliners to topple its regime.
"I think the new guideline seems to reflect the current state of inter-Korean
relations, given the harsh rhetoric and North Korea's focus on its nuclear and
missile program," said Yoo Ho-yeol, a professor of North Korean studies at Korea
University.
Oh Chong-seok, head of the education division at the ECU, said that the updated
guideline calls for teachers to educate students in a more objective way, given
the recent developments surrounding North Korea's military provocations and
severance of ties with the outside world.
odissy@yna.co.kr
(END)