Kim Tae-nyeon: "North Korea Must Apologize to South Korean Citizens and Victims and Punish Those Responsible"

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on the 24th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged North Korea to apologize to the citizens of the Republic of Korea and the victims, and to punish those responsible for the incident.

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 25th, Floor Leader Kim said, "I have received news of the tragic and horrific anti-humanitarian atrocities committed by the North Korean military," adding, "North Korea's anti-civilized and barbaric acts are unacceptable."

He stated, "The Democratic Party demands responsible measures from North Korea," and "We strongly demand that North Korea apologize to the citizens of the Republic of Korea and the victims for this atrocity and punish those responsible for the incident."

He continued, "Yesterday, the National Defense Committee unanimously passed a resolution condemning North Korea for the incident involving the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries official," emphasizing, "We will inform the world of the solemn and resolute determination of the citizens of the Republic of Korea and the National Assembly against North Korea's atrocity."

Floor Leader Kim said, "Yesterday, I reached an agreement with Joo Ho-young, the floor leader of the People Power Party, to extend the tax support period for good landlords," adding, "We will process the tax support bill as soon as possible. The Commercial Lease Protection Act also passed the plenary session, and the Democratic Party will closely examine follow-up measures to prepare detailed regulations and procedures for rent reduction."

He also urged people to refrain from traveling during the Chuseok holiday. He said, "The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has always spread around holidays," and "I once again ask everyone to refrain from traveling as much as possible until Chuseok."

Regarding President Moon Jae-in's first phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga the previous day, he said, "I hope President Moon and Japan will build a future-oriented bilateral relationship," adding, "I propose high-level talks and revitalization of exchanges. The National Assembly will also actively contribute through parliamentary dialogue."