Korean Party Recruits Tae Yong-ho... "Recognizing North Korean Residents as Citizens" vs "Failure in National Security Strategy"

Former North Korean Embassy Minister to the UK Tae Yong-ho (left) shakes hands with Liberty Korea Party leader Hwang Kyo-ahn after announcing his entry into the party and candidacy for the district in the April 15 general election at the National Assembly on the 11th. In the center is Kim Hyung-o, Chairman of the Nomination Committee. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Tae Yong-ho (58), a former North Korean diplomat at the embassy in London and a defector, announced on the 11th that he will run in the April 15 general election as a candidate from the Liberty Korea Party. This has sparked mixed reactions in the political sphere.

Lee Jun-seok, the Young Party Vision Committee Chair of the New Conservative Party, wrote on his Facebook on the same day, "Tae's participation in the election carries great significance," adding, "It declares that North Korean residents are our citizens and that their voices can be recognized as representatives of the people under the liberal democratic system."

He emphasized, "If he wins not through proportional representation but in a local constituency, it will be highly symbolic."

Lee also said, "It is predicted that Tae will run in Gangnam Gap, where he is expected to win easily, but actually, the order of districts with the highest number of defectors living in rental apartments in Seoul is Yangcheon, Nowon, and Gangseo," adding, "Among Yangcheon Gap and Eul, Nowon Gap, Eul, Byeong, and Gangseo Gap, Eul, Byeong, there is a place that feels right."

On the other hand, some expressed concerns that Tae's political entry could negatively affect inter-Korean relations.

Han Seol, a retired army lieutenant colonel and visiting professor at Suncheon National University, strongly criticized on his Facebook post that day, saying, "Tae's nomination is a strategic failure in national security," and "It could cause serious problems."

Professor Han said, "The political significance of Tae is similar to that of a defector," and asked, "What would happen if a defector is nominated as a member of the national assembly? It means a willingness to engage in all-out war with the other side."

Former North Korean Embassy Minister in the UK, Tae Yong-ho, is announcing his entry into the Liberty Korea Party and his candidacy for the 4.15 general election district at the National Assembly Press Hall on the 11th. Photo by Yonhap News

He argued, "The Liberty Korea Party's nomination of Tae means that even if they gain power later, they will not engage in dialogue with North Korea," and "If the Liberty Korea Party takes power, inter-Korean relations will experience military conflicts throughout that period."

He continued, "The Liberty Korea Party's nomination of Tae means pushing the political arena toward conflict and division rather than dialogue and compromise," adding, "While it may create news favorable to the party's election strategy, it will cause serious obstacles from a national security strategy perspective."

He added, "No matter how much the Liberty Korea Party bases its policy on pressure against North Korea, this crosses a line," and "Once a certain line is crossed, there will be consequences. This applies to both individuals and nations."

On the 11th, Tae held a press conference at the National Assembly and announced his candidacy as a local constituency candidate from the Liberty Korea Party.

Tae said, "If I am elected as a member of the National Assembly representing a constituency in the Republic of Korea, the North Korean elites who play a central role in maintaining the North Korean regime, my former colleagues working as North Korean diplomats around the world, and especially the good North Korean citizens yearning for freedom will all have hope and confidence."

He added, "Just as I have been a witness to North Korean human rights and the North Korean nuclear issue in South Korea, I will become evidence of liberal democracy and representative democracy in North Korea," and "The moment North Korean residents and elites confirm that someone like Tae Yong-ho, who spent his life as a North Korean diplomat, can serve as a local representative, the true unification we desire will take a big step closer."