[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, faced criticism from the Justice Party and the People Power Party over his remark in a media interview about "sinking illegal fishing vessels from North Korea and China." The Justice Party said, "This is not an election to choose a military commander," while the People Power Party called it "impulsive and extremely reckless."
Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, stated on social media (SNS) on the 9th, "You shouldn't just pop open a soda anywhere," adding, "The use of force against civilian fishing vessels is limited to indirect use for seizing illegal vessels or for defense against attacks. Responding by sinking vessels unconditionally raises tensions between countries and risks local conflicts."
She continued, "According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Foreign Fisheries Act, illegal fishing vessels can be confiscated if the deposit is not paid. So far, most vessels seized for illegal fishing have been returned as a matter of practice, causing a vicious cycle," pointing out. She added, "I will stop this practice and confiscate all illegal fishing vessels according to the law," emphasizing, "Responding with law is the wisest approach."
Yeo Young-guk, leader of the Justice Party, also said, "Illegal fishing activities by Chinese vessels are not new and deserve condemnation," but added, "However, Candidate Lee's remark that illegal fishing vessels should be sunk misses the point."
He further stated, "Replacing diplomatic efforts against illegal fishing with military force is no different from Candidate Yoon Seok-youl of the People Power Party's preemptive strike remarks against North Korea," emphasizing, "It is bad politics that strategically exploits anti-China sentiment arising from controversies over Hanbok cultural appropriation at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony and biased judgments."
The People Power Party also sharpened their criticism of Lee's "sinking remark." On the same day, in an interview on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning,' the party leader said, "Whether Candidate Lee was flustered or tried to ride the wave of the Olympic dispute with China, his pledge includes 'sinking Chinese fishing vessels.' This is somewhat worrying. While deploying THAAD is not allowed due to China's watchful eye, saying illegal Chinese fishing vessels should be sunk means declaring war. Deploying THAAD is not a declaration of war," he pointed out.
Heo Eun-ah, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party, also released a statement criticizing, "It may have been an attempt to ride the wave of national anger over biased Olympic judgments, but it was a thoughtless, impulsive, and aggressive remark." Jang Young-il, full-time deputy spokesperson of the People Power Party's election headquarters, also commented, "Candidate Lee's impulsive and extreme recklessness is absurd and frightening," questioning, "Is he in his right mind?"
Earlier, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, said in an interview with a media outlet, "We will strongly crack down on illegal activities by North Korean or Chinese (fishing vessels) in the East and West Sea areas," adding, "Illegal territorial waters incursions should be sunk." He emphasized, "Would we have tolerated Somali (fishing vessels) if they came? We will respond clearly and equally."
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