Wi Sunglak to Handle US Relations, Lee Jongseok to Tackle China and Russia
Lee is Even More Pro-American Than Kim Daejung, No Concerns from the US
Lee Holds 25-Minute Phone Call with Prime Minister Ishiba Today... Agreement on Korea-Japan Cooperation
Park Jiwon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking during a listening tour campaign in Jindo-eup and Haenam Munnae-myeon on the 2nd. Photo by Park Jiwon Facebook
Park Jiwon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, assessed that President Lee Jaemyung would prioritize the national interest in handling diplomatic matters and would pursue an even more pro-American diplomacy than former President Kim Daejung.
On the 9th, appearing on SBS Radio's "Kim Taehyun's Political Show," Park stated, "He will be even more pro-American than President Kim Daejung, and in any situation, he will never deviate from the philosophy of the South Korea-US alliance."
He continued, "Based on my conversations with him, it is clear that under no circumstances would he stray from the philosophy of the South Korea-US alliance. He also gives significant consideration to this in other personnel matters." Park added, "People often said that President Kim Daejung was pro-North Korea or pro-China, but in reality, he was a strong pro-American. President Lee Jaemyung is even more pro-American, even more thoroughly so, than President Kim Daejung."
Park also dismissed concerns about potential conflicts between Lee Jongseok, the nominee for Director of the National Intelligence Service, and Wi Sunglak, the nominee for Director of the Office of National Security. While nominee Wi is considered a "pro-alliance" figure, having served as Director-General for North American Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nominee Lee has been a prominent advocate of autonomy since the Roh Moo-hyun administration.
Park said, "We are like an ox in a ditch, so we have to eat American, Chinese, and Russian grass. The diplomatic and security lineup is well-structured." He added, "In terms of South Korea-US relations, Director Wi will work well with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. There is no need to worry."
Regarding the delay in the phone call with US President Donald Trump, Park commented, "There is no need to evaluate a delay of a day or two due to intergovernmental coordination. Since President Trump is struggling with tariff agreements, he probably took some time. After the two leaders spoke, I heard from a high-ranking US diplomat that 'things could not have gone better.'"
Meanwhile, it has been reported that President Lee Jaemyung also held a phone call with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru around 12:00 noon on this day. According to local media such as Kyodo News and the presidential office, the call lasted about 25 minutes, and both sides agreed to build a stronger and more mature South Korea-Japan relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and a responsible attitude.
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