Kim Moonsoo: "Lee Jaemyung Must Apologize for Calling US Forces 'Occupation Troops' After Liberation"
Ahn Cheolsoo: "Lee Jaemyung, Do You Want 'Chinese Forces Korea' Instead of US Forces Korea?"
Kang Minguk: "Insult to US Soldiers Who Died Preventing North Korean Aggression"
Shin Dongwook: "Lee Jaemyung's Security Views Are More Serious Than Reducing US Forces Korea"
On May 23, Kim Moonsoo, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, along with the party’s election campaign committee, called on Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, to apologize for his past remarks questioning whether "pro-Japanese forces, in collaboration with the US occupation forces, maintained the ruling system as it was," and to clarify his stance on the presence of US Forces Korea (USFK).
This move by the People Power Party is interpreted as an attempt to highlight Lee's security awareness and sway voters, following reports that the Donald Trump administration in the United States is considering relocating 4,500 USFK troops to Guam.
Kim stated on Facebook that morning, "Although this is not an official review or announcement by the US government, the issue of reducing USFK is not a simple troop movement; it is a grave matter directly connected to the security of the Republic of Korea."
He continued, "Lee has previously disparaged USFK as 'occupation forces' and has also condemned South Korea-US-Japan joint military exercises as 'extreme pro-Japanese acts.' As a result, there are growing concerns that if Lee becomes president, the withdrawal of USFK could become a reality. I urge Lee to apologize for his past remarks referring to USFK as occupation forces and to clearly state his firm position on the South Korea-US alliance."
Previously, on July 2, 2021, while serving as governor of Gyeonggi Province, Lee stated at the Lee Yuksa Memorial Hall in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, "Unlike other countries at the stage of establishing their governments, Korea was unable to purge pro-Japanese collaborators, and pro-Japanese forces, in collaboration with the US occupation forces, maintained the ruling system as it was," adding, "The country did not start off cleanly."
Kim also made clear his commitment to maintaining a strong South Korea-US alliance. He emphasized, "A robust South Korea-US alliance is a key pillar supporting peace and prosperity not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the Indo-Pacific region. I will continue to unwaveringly promote the strengthening of the South Korea-US nuclear extended deterrence and the advancement of the Korean three-axis system based on the alliance."
He further stated, "Once the new government is inaugurated, I will immediately seek a South Korea-US summit and closely consult through official diplomatic channels on ways to strengthen the stationing of USFK and the extended deterrence. What is needed now is not 'xiexie' or 'thank you,' but the strategy and capability to protect our national interests. I will safeguard Korea’s security through a steadfast South Korea-US alliance."
Not only Kim but also the People Power Party's election campaign committee is launching an all-out offensive against Lee. Representative Ahn Cheolsoo, co-chairman of the People Power Party's election committee, posted on Facebook under the title "Candidate Lee Jaemyung, do you really want 'Chinese Forces Korea' instead of 'US Forces Korea'?" He wrote, "While Lee's welfare and economic pledges are also riddled with problems, the most serious issue is security," urging Lee to clarify whether he still considers USFK as occupation forces, what his alternatives are regarding the reduction of USFK, and his positions on North Korean human rights and Kim Jongun's decision to send troops to Ukraine.
Kang Min-guk, secretary of the National Assembly’s Political Affairs Committee and head of public relations for the People Power Party’s central election committee, also pointed out, "Lee’s perception of US forces as occupation forces raises concerns about cracks in the South Korea-US alliance and the Korea discount." He argued, "Labeling US forces as 'occupation forces' is a statement that denies the legitimacy of the Republic of Korea, the justification for its founding, and the very historical foundation of the South Korea-US alliance. It is also an insult to the countless US soldiers who gave their lives to prevent North Korean aggression. At this point, one might even wonder if Lee actually wishes for the withdrawal of USFK."
He added, "Lee's diplomatic and security awareness will be the worst risk for investors, a shackle for businesses, and a threat to the people. Lee must immediately clarify his position on his past anti-American remarks, including calling US forces 'occupation forces,' and apologize to the public."
Shin Dongwook, chief spokesperson for the People Power Party's central election committee, issued a statement that day, saying, "Reports that the US administration is considering relocating thousands of USFK troops is not a simple troop adjustment; it is a warning that Korea’s security system itself could be shaken." He criticized, "At this grave moment, the even more serious problem is Lee's 'dangerously reckless view on security.'"
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
