US House Representative: "Moon Jae-in's Korea is Seriously Concerning... Could Be Placed on 'Watchlist'"

Congressman Chris Smith, who introduced a bill to sue the Chinese government related to COVID-19. Photo by U.S. Congressman’s official website capture

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and Hana Na] Republican Chris Smith, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement expressing serious concern about the trajectories that South Korea under President Moon Jae-in is showing, warning that he would place South Korea on the State Department's watchlist.

In a statement released on the 11th (local time), Representative Smith said, "The South Korean government is suppressing religious and freedom of expression, as well as criticism of the president, under the pretext of responding to COVID-19."

He also criticized the ruling Democratic Party's threatened forced passage of the "Law Prohibiting Leaflets to North Korea (Amendment to the Inter-Korean Relations Development Act)" as "foolish," saying, "(The government) is bowing too much to North Korea."

He added, "Why do President Moon Jae-in's allies in the National Assembly ignore fundamental civil and political rights?" and demanded the withdrawal of the bill, saying, "Foolish legislation condones communist North Korea."

He further stated, "If the bill is finally passed, we will reassess South Korea's commitment to democratic values," adding, "This means there is a very high possibility of placing South Korea on the watchlist, which would be a very sad development."

Additionally, Representative Smith pointed out that the Moon administration's foreign policy "leans toward China."

Meanwhile, Representative Smith has served as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Human Rights Subcommittee and has shown deep interest in human rights issues.