Kim Ki-hyun: "Kim Yo-jong's Pressure to Halt ROK-US Joint Exercises Due to Moon Government's Submissive Attitude Toward North Korea"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized the Moon Jae-in administration's North Korea policy on the 3rd in relation to the demand made by Kim Yo-jong, deputy director of the North Korean Workers' Party, to halt the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises.

Kim Ki-hyun, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 3rd and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the day, Floor Leader Kim said, "When North Korea's Kim Yo-jong issued a statement pressuring the suspension of the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises, some ruling party members also called for halting the exercises," adding, "The fact that North Korea is issuing orders on South Korea's security issues as if it were a supreme ruler is due to the submissive attitude toward North Korea shown by the Moon Jae-in administration over the past four years."

He said, "Although the Moon Jae-in administration, which has no substantial achievements to boast of during its term, is anxious to somehow show favor to Kim Jong-un and create disguised achievements like a fake peace show, it is absolutely unacceptable to surrender the people's pride and national defense sovereignty to Kim Yo-jong."

Floor Leader Kim emphasized, "The South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises are the core of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and are essential for strengthening defense capabilities and deterrence against North Korea," adding, "Under the Moon Jae-in administration, cancellations or reductions in scale have raised concerns about cracks in the alliance. If the joint exercises are canceled, postponed, or weakened again following Kim Yo-jong's orders, the Moon Jae-in administration will face severe criticism for sacrificing national interests to maintain power."

Regarding the Druking comment manipulation scandal, he demanded an apology from President Moon Jae-in. Floor Leader Kim said, "President Moon needs to offer a clear apology and take follow-up measures regarding the Druking comment manipulation scandal," adding, "The special prosecutor's investigation must continue to uncover any suspicions that have not yet been revealed."