[Asia Economy Reporters Lee Ji-eun and Lim Chun-han] Kim Jong-in, Emergency Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, pointed out that North Korea's denuclearization is no longer feasible and urged President Moon Jae-in to "face the reality of North Korea more directly and adopt a new perception."
At the Emergency Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 11th, Chairman Kim said, "Considering North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's announcements about nuclear submarine construction and improved accuracy of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), it has been proven that the North Korea policy pursued by the Moon administration has ultimately returned to square one."
He added, "President Moon should face the reality of North Korea more directly and develop a new understanding of whether the Kim Jong-un regime has any intention to advance denuclearization even slightly," emphasizing, "It has been proven that North Korea will never denuclearize, and if it remains a nuclear-armed power, we must coordinate extensively on how to respond most wisely."
Floor Leader Joo Ho-young also pointed out, "Chairman Kim mentioned nuclear weapons 36 times in his business summary report, publicly boasting that they have established a flawless nuclear shield as a responsible nuclear power," and criticized, "The word 'denuclearization,' which was used as a justification, has completely disappeared."
He said, "There is a saying, 'Those who believe the enemy general's words deserve to die,'" and criticized, "Over the past three years, President Moon repeatedly claimed that Chairman Kim had a firm will for denuclearization and peace, but the public is very puzzled whether the intention to denuclearize and pursue peace is genuine when the nuclear force is used as a basis to coerce the United States and hasten unification."
He continued, "The public will closely watch President Moon's response to Chairman Kim's New Year's address, in which he declared unification based on nuclear force."
On the same day, Chairman Kim also demanded a major shift in real estate policy. He said, "Even though the real estate market shows no signs of calming down in the new year, the government seems determined to fight the market," adding, "Instead of repeatedly implementing policies similar to the failed ones, it is time to fundamentally review the entire real estate policy and change its direction."
He also emphasized support focused on vulnerable groups affected by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). He said, "Although the government and ruling party are discussing the 4th disaster relief fund, concentrating the 3rd disaster relief fund support on small business owners, small and medium enterprises, and self-employed individuals will be more effective," stressing, "Active efforts to promote economic activity, improve productivity, and raise potential growth rates are urgently needed."
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