Mention of 'Possibility of Reader Nuclear Armament'
"President Responsible for Security Makes It More Precarious"
Security Issues Questioned at Foreign Affairs Committee on 17th and Defense Committee on 19th
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol's mention of the possibility of independent nuclear armament, saying, "The president, who is responsible for security, is jeopardizing security with verbal bombs."
On the 13th, Lee said at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in the morning, "North Korea is experiencing food shortages due to economic sanctions from the international community as it attempts nuclear armament," and pointed out, "Nuclear armament is not something that can be done just by talking about it."
He added, "It is a very serious issue that could cause a severe rift in the South Korea-U.S. alliance," and criticized, "It is a matter with no possibility of realization, and especially it is not something the international community can tolerate as it would trigger a chain reaction of nuclear armament in the Northeast Asia region."
He then emphasized, "I hope you recognize that verbal bombs are scarier than nuclear bombs."
Park Hong-geun, the floor leader, also fiercely criticized at the meeting, saying, "Is President Yoon determined to push the Korean Peninsula into war?" and "I am appalled by the president's irresponsible remarks."
Park pointed out, "Not only are the daily harsh verbal bombs insufficient, but mentioning nuclear armament as well has plunged the Korean Peninsula into a powder keg and poured cold water on South Korea's economy."
The Democratic Party is expected to criticize President Yoon's mention of South Korea-U.S. nuclear drills and nuclear armament at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the National Assembly scheduled for the 17th. In addition, regarding the controversy over North Korean drone infiltration, the Defense Committee, the relevant standing committee, will be held on the 19th to discuss fact-finding and measures to prevent recurrence.
Park emphasized, "Although the ruling party refused and the emergency security-related question session was canceled at this week's plenary session, we agreed to hold the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee and the Defense Committee," and added, "Even though the capital Seoul was penetrated helplessly, the government and ruling party only tried to hide their incompetence by stalling and minimizing responsibility. We must find the fundamental cause of where things went wrong, hold those responsible accountable, and definitely prepare measures to prevent recurrence."
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