[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Choi Jae-hyung, former head of the Board of Audit and Inspection and a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, emphasized security to the Moon Jae-in administration regarding the 'Kim Yo-jong statement' released on the 1st, saying, "We must not fall into North Korea's intention to provoke conflict between South Korea and the U.S."
On the 2nd, Choi issued a 'Position on Kim Yo-jong's Statement,' stating, "How long will we continue to threaten the safety of our people by watching North Korea's every move?"
Previously, Kim Yo-jong, deputy department director of the North Korean Workers' Party, commented on the upcoming South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises scheduled for mid-month through the Korean Central News Agency, saying, "Military exercises during a time of detente could further cloud the future of inter-Korean relations," and added, "We will closely observe whether South Korea will conduct hostile war exercises again in August or make a great decision."
In response, Choi criticized, "It is as if she is giving orders to the Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces," and said, "There is an intention to halt the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises using the reconnection of military communication lines and resumption of dialogue as bait."
Regarding voices within the government calling to postpone the joint exercises due to COVID-19, he said, "That is just an excuse," and pointed out, "If there are concerns about the spread of COVID-19 during the joint exercises, the top priority should be thorough COVID-19 prevention within the military and ensuring vaccination of participating soldiers. Why did U.S. President Joe Biden prioritize providing vaccines to 550,000 South Korean troops at the South Korea-U.S. summit?"
Furthermore, Choi emphasized, "It is inappropriate to regard the joint exercises as a mere chip to resolve the dialogue freeze," and added, "I also stress that there should be no suspicion that the late-term summit is being held or that a North Korea-related issue is being used for election purposes."
Since entering the presidential race, Choi has shown particular attention to security. Following his visit to the UN Command cemetery and a meeting with displaced persons on the 27th of last month, he is scheduled to have a dialogue with retired military generals this afternoon.
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