Changes in North Korea and Policy Responses of the International Community Toward North Korea

Despite the peaceful environments in most parts of the world, the security tension on the Korean peninsula has increased following North Korea's recent nuclear test. For peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the East Asian region as well, two critical factors are emphasized. First it is critical for North Korea to relinquish mass destruction weapons which threaten other countries with their peace and security. Second, it is essential for North Korea to adopt a market-oriented economy system for substantial development. The international community faces a significant challenge inducing North Korea to be disarmed and to transit to a market-oriented economy. By being faced with North Korea's second nuclear test, this international conference on North Korea's is timely and important for discussing policy implications.