Democratic Party Holds Emergency Meeting with Senior Figures... "No Party Lines in Security"

Emergency Meeting for Easing Tensions on the Korean Peninsula Held by Democratic Party
Attended by Former Unification Ministers from Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in Eras
Lee Jae-myung: "Korean Peninsula Security Must Be Addressed Beyond Party Lines"

The Democratic Party of Korea invited senior diplomats and security experts from previous democratic administrations to discuss ways to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The party stated, "While various countries are fiercely competing in diplomatic efforts surrounding the Korean Peninsula, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration insists only on a hardline response," explaining the background for holding the meeting. The senior experts attending the meeting proposed solutions such as resuming inter-Korean dialogue, sanctioning the distribution of leaflets to North Korea, and organizing regular in-party research groups on diplomacy and security.

On the morning of the 19th, the Democratic Party held an ‘Emergency Meeting for Easing Tensions on the Korean Peninsula’ to discuss ways to restore inter-Korean relations. Representative Lee Jae-myung said, "Although we are the opposition party, security issues on the Korean Peninsula are major policy agendas that both ruling and opposition parties must work on together," adding, "We will gather opinions well today to help establish and implement security policies." At the meeting, Representative Lee Jae-myung, Policy Committee Chair Jin Seong-jun, former Unification Ministers Lim Dong-won, Chung Se-hyun, Lee Jong-seok, and Jeong Dong-young, former presidential special advisor on unification, diplomacy, and security Moon Jeong-in, and lawmaker Park Ji-won attended. These individuals were responsible for diplomacy and security policies during the Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in administrations.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at an emergency meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. From the left: Park Ji-won, former Director of the National Intelligence Service; Lee Jong-seok and Lim Dong-won, Ministers of Unification; Lee Jae-myung; Jeong Se-hyun, former Minister of Unification; Moon Jung-in, former Special Advisor on Unification, Foreign Affairs, and Security. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Former Unification Minister Lim Dong-won said, "If tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalate and lead to military conflict, it could unintentionally escalate into a full-scale war," adding, "To prevent war, we need to resume dialogue and cooperation between the South and the North." Lim also attended a forum hosted by the Korea Institute for National Unification on the 14th of last month, emphasizing, "Even small clashes can escalate into war, so efforts must be made to prevent war." He served as Unification Minister during the Kim Dae-jung administration.

Former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok explained, "Historically, there have been four agreements between the South and North to stop leaflet distribution in the other’s territory," noting that these occurred once each during the Park Chung-hee and Roh Tae-woo administrations and once each during the Roh Moo-hyun and Moon Jae-in administrations. He continued, "Regardless of conservative or progressive governments, leaflet distribution has been prohibited," but claimed, "The Yoon Seok-yeol administration is neglecting this under the pretext of freedom of expression." He advised, "(The government) must act with the belief that no matter how important freedom of expression is, it cannot be more important than the safety and lives of the people and peace on the Korean Peninsula," and urged, "It is time to persuade and sanction some defector groups that distribute leaflets to North Korea."

Former Unification Minister Chung Se-hyun called for the establishment of a regular research group within the Democratic Party. He said, "The Democratic Party should show an attitude of studying how to develop unification, diplomacy, and security policies when it comes to power," adding, "I think it is necessary to prepare by developing concrete methodologies in preparation for the presidential election." He also noted, "In the past, the Democratic Party had a unification advisor within the Policy Committee, but they never held a meeting," and proposed, "Starting from today, Policy Committee Chair Jin Seong-jun should regularly lead (the meetings)." In response, Chair Jin said, "I will keep that in mind."