Lee Jae-myung "Damage to International Economic Order, Risk to Republic of Korea's Economic Development"
Kim Yong-tae "Blunt Security View... Security Risk if Becoming Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces"
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is speaking at an emergency security and economic joint meeting held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 24th. At the meeting, Lee stated, "Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected," and expressed "strong regret over Russia's invasion of Ukraine."
[Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, made a statement regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying, "Although it is a matter of a foreign country on the opposite side of the globe, our country's stock prices are falling because of this issue." The People Power Party criticized this, calling it a "blunt security perspective."
Kim Yong-tae, a Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, wrote on his Facebook on the 24th, "Candidate Lee Jae-myung, who says 'Ukraine has nothing to do with us,' continues to bring about behavior unbefitting a Democratic Party candidate," expressing his criticism.
Kim pointed out, "Do you not see the phrase in the Democratic Party's constitution and regulations that states 'Aiming to be a leading country in solidarity and cooperation, contributing to peace and prosperity in East Asia and the world'?"
He continued, "Although the Democratic Party has outwardly called for inter-Korean peace, it has failed to grasp the reality of the incident involving the killing of our public official," adding, "The Democratic Party has deteriorated beyond control, but I hope it innovates into a party that at least upholds its fundamental original values."
He further argued, "If a candidate with such a blunt security perspective were to become the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, it would pose a significant security risk amid an unpredictable international situation."
Earlier, Candidate Lee, during campaigns in Chungju, Chungbuk, and Wonju, Gangwon, said regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "I believe security is the most important. Those who harm security must be held accountable," and added, "The so-called global supply chain and international economic order are being damaged, putting South Korea's economic development at risk."
He claimed, "Although it is the same stock, our country is only recognized at 60% of the value compared to the U.S. and Europe due to geopolitical risks," and "Because of poor inter-Korean relations and the risk of war, we suffer from the 'Korea discount.'"
He also criticized People Power Party candidate Yoon Seok-youl's pledge, saying, "In an economy where the war crisis is escalating, and people's lives are being ruined, proposing to install THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) in Chungcheong, Gangwon, and the metropolitan area, which is unnecessary, may gain votes by creating security anxiety, but it harms the entire nation."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
