In 2002, North Korea admitted that it had a secret uranium-enrichment program and that it was withdrawing from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. North Korea turned off all monitoring equipment at the Yongbyon nuclear facility and sent the IAEA inspectors packing. North Korea maintained variously that its nuclear program was needed to provide energy and that it needed nuclear weapons to protect against a US attack. South Korean President Kim Dae Jung (see photo on next page, on left) instituted what became known as the “Sunshine Policy.” This policy advocates openness and engagement with North Korea and assumes that Kim Jong-il (see photo below right) wanted to modernize the North Korean economy.

Recently, North Korean Vice President Kim Gwan informed Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill that North Korea was ready to return to Six Party Talks, which include: China , Russia , Japan , the United States , North Korea, and South Korea . Previously, North Korea had stated that it wanted bilateral talks and then backed away from the table when President Bush called North Korea an “axis of evil.” Why the sudden change, and what does Kim Jong-il think he will achieve? Kim Jong-il?s nuclear game has a number of strategic objectives with the first priority to join the open nuclear weapons club. Recently, a North Korean parliamentarian defected and stated that North Korea has a one-ton nuclear device and is working on others. So, it is quite possible that North Korea, even while starving its people, has been able to join this not so exclusive club. While it is not certain that North Korea has a nuclear weapon, the fact that they are moving quickly in that direction should cause grave concern.