Now that the WomenCrossDMZ march is complete, North Korea watchers are largely skeptical about its impact, with even those of a less hawkish bent unconvinced of its long-term influence.

The marchers set out with the objectives of working toward peace on the divided peninsula, hopefully by mobilizing women they would listen to and share ideas with. To their detractors, though, they are a distraction from the real human rights issues faced by North Koreans, particularly women, who human rights reports say are regularly victimized in regime prison camps.