Na Kyungwon Criticizes President Lee's Absence from NATO: "Is the Korea-US Summit Being Deliberately Bypassed?"

"If There Was an Opportunity Yet He Did Not Attend, This Is a Diplomatic Disaster"
"Diplomacy Is Not a Matter of Choice, but of Survival"

Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, is attending a meeting of lawmakers with four or more terms, chaired by floor leader Song Eonseok, held at the National Assembly on the 18th.

Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, voiced criticism over President Lee Jaemyung's decision not to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit. She argued that, in addition to undermining the trust of allied nations, if President Lee avoided the summit despite the opportunity for a Korea-US summit, it would constitute a serious diplomatic disaster.

On June 22, Na Kyungwon stated on her Facebook page, "President Lee Jaemyung's decision not to attend the NATO summit is a diplomatic blunder stemming from a complacent perception of reality." She claimed that by voluntarily giving up strategic solidarity with countries that share freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, the president risks weakening the trust of allies and diminishing South Korea's diplomatic and security standing.

She continued, "The current international order is undergoing a comprehensive transition, with the Middle East crisis, the advancement of North Korea's nuclear capabilities, and the strategic competition between the US and China all intertwined. In particular, the United States has already set a new global standard, calling on NATO members and other allies to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP." She pointed out, "In such a situation, the NATO stage is not just a single meeting, but an opportunity for South Korea to formalize its role as a 'responsible nation of the free world' and to lay the groundwork for defense spending strategy discussions."

She further argued, "If, after the Korea-US summit at the G7 was canceled, South Korea also skips the NATO summit, the international community will see South Korea not as a strategic partner but as a country on hold for trust." She added, "There are serious concerns about the Korea-US alliance, given the White House's worrying statement after President Lee's election, the delayed phone call with President Trump, and the lack of news regarding the appointment of a US ambassador. Before deciding not to attend the NATO summit, was President Trump's attendance at the meeting properly confirmed? Or was it a deliberate bypass without any confirmation?"

In conclusion, Na Kyungwon stated, "If there was an opportunity for a Korea-US summit and the president still chose not to attend, this is a serious diplomatic disaster. The president must answer for this, and in times of crisis, a strategic nation does not leave its seat empty." She warned, "Avoiding such responsibilities could result in security and economic burdens returning to us. Diplomacy is not a matter of choice; what is needed now is not silence and avoidance, but proactive diplomacy that strategically explains our position and secures the initiative in negotiations."