SEOUL -- When the political leaders of the United States and South Korea meet, North Korea takes center stage. This preoccupation with the communist regime has a long tradition in U.S.-South Korean relations. Another tradition -- if we may call it that -- is the unvarying effort on both sides to publicly portray their relationship in favorable colors, irrespective of the true state of affairs. The fine-sounding communiques are usually formulated way ahead of the actual summits by diplomats and do not necessarily reflect political realities.
Today, once more, differences of perception in how best to deal with Pyongyang are the cause of major irritation between Seoul and Washington. On the eve of U.S. President George W. Bush's first official visit to South Korea, these differences could hardly be more pronounced. Nonetheless, both sides are expected to go out of their way and cover up the existing discrepancies.
In Seoul, according to official sources, Bush will reiterate his backing for South Korean President Kim Dae Jung's policy of engaging North Korea. But this show of support is merely for public consumption. In reality, Bush and Kim find themselves miles apart.