Lee Jae-myung: "Yoon's Nuclear Self-Strike Remarks Are Inappropriate... No Feasibility, Only Heightened Tensions"

"Can It Be Discussed with a Nuclear-Armed United States?"

[Asia Economy Reporters Naju-seok and Park Joon-yi] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol's remark on "possessing indigenous nuclear weapons" on the 12th as "inappropriate."

At a New Year's press conference that day, Lee said, "I can say whatever I want, but because of responsibility and gravity, it is difficult to speak carelessly," expressing his thoughts on President Yoon's mention of nuclear armament.

The day before, President Yoon, after receiving a New Year's briefing from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Blue House State Guesthouse, stated, "If the (North Korean nuclear) problem worsens, South Korea may deploy tactical nuclear weapons or possess indigenous nuclear weapons."

Regarding this, Lee pointed out, "Denuclearization is an agreement between South Korea and the United States, as well as among the entire world," adding, "To arm with nuclear weapons, South Korea would have to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)." He continued, "Is it really possible to consult with the U.S. about (South Korea's indigenous nuclear armament)?" and questioned, "The U.S. is actually providing nuclear support on the Korean Peninsula through its extended deterrence strategy, but can South Korea succeed in independently arming itself with nuclear weapons through consultation with the U.S.?"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, holds a New Year's press conference at the National Assembly on the 12th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

He also expressed concerns that the justification to make North Korea abandon its nuclear development would disappear, and that neighboring countries might pursue nuclear armament. Lee said, "If South Korea officially arms itself with nuclear weapons, how can we tell North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons?" and asked, "If both South and North Korea arm themselves with nuclear weapons, will Japan remain passive?"

He stated, "First, (South Korea's indigenous nuclear armament) should not happen; second, it is completely unrealistic; and third, it would only escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula, so I think it is inappropriate."