It is "funny" how everything regarding Brexit has to have a mandate whereas almost all other activities the government does can just sail along; Often when the MPs vote, even if they all unanimously voted for a motion they would still represent less than 50% of the UK populace due to first past the post.

If the relationship between the UK and EU was between two people, the EU would be locked up for aggressive and threatening behaviour. The best argument to remain continues to appear to be that if we leave the other European countries will be as unpleasant as possible - no upside whatsoever.

An economic union such as South Korea has with the EU is clearly possible, so their attitude is intentional.