Lee Jae-myung: "Strongly Condemn North Korea's Repeated Missile Provocations"

"Repeated Missile Provocations Undermine Stability in Northeast Asia"

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized North Korea on the 22nd for launching several cruise missiles over the East Sea.

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is appealing for support at a campaign rally held at Gyeyang Station Square in Incheon on the 21st. 2025.5.21 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On the 22nd, Lee wrote on his Facebook page, "North Korea launched cruise missiles over the East Sea just half a month after firing short-range ballistic missiles on the 8th," and added, "I strongly condemn North Korea's repeated missile provocations."

Lee stated, "While the global security environment is rapidly changing and countries around the world are actively engaging in dialogue and cooperation to protect their national interests, only North Korea remains stuck in outdated thinking." He continued, "These repeated missile provocations are an anachronistic act that undermines the stability not only of the Korean Peninsula but of the entire Northeast Asian region."

He emphasized, "True security comes from shared growth in peace and prosperity," and insisted, "We need peace, not missiles; openness, not isolation; and coexistence, not confrontation." He further urged North Korea, saying, "Given the geopolitical value and potential of the Korean Peninsula, peace is not just an ideal in name only, but a source of concrete benefits that both Koreas can enjoy together. I hope North Korea realizes this as soon as possible."

Lee reiterated, "Once again, I condemn this irresponsible provocation and urge the creation of a Korean Peninsula built on dialogue instead of confrontation, and peace instead of hostility." He concluded, "Based on a firm security posture, I will work to achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."