"Why Bow to North Korea?" Moonsoo Kim Protests President Lee's Liberation Day Speech

"Enough to Raise Suspicions of Treason"
"Remarks That Undermine the Values of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea"

Moonsoo Kim, the People Power Party's candidate for party leader, strongly objected to President Jaemyung Lee's message in the Liberation Day congratulatory speech, which expressed respect for North Korea's regime, asking, "Why should we bow our heads to North Korea?"

Moonsoo Kim, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, strongly opposed President Jae-myung Lee's remarks on North Korea in the Liberation Day congratulatory speech.

On the morning of the 16th, Kim issued a statement, saying, "It was North Korea that first broke the September 19 Military Agreement," and added, "I strongly condemn this. Such remarks could only come from a spokesperson for Kim Jong Un." He further emphasized, "The position of the president is not to cater to Kim Jong Un's mood, but to do everything possible to protect the security of the Republic of Korea."

Kim also criticized the remarks, stating, "At a time when President Lee should be confronting the North Korean nuclear threat, the launch of waste balloons, and constant military provocations, he has instead declared a surrender by expressing respect for the North Korean regime and pledging not to engage in hostile acts." He added, "This not only violates the Constitution, but is also enough to raise suspicions of treasonous behavior," and asserted, "We must no longer tolerate forces that seek to undermine the values of the Constitution and the foundation of a free Republic of Korea."

He continued, "We must fight against this," and appealed, "Let us all join forces and ensure victory in this struggle to defend the free Republic of Korea."

The previous day, President Lee stated in his Liberation Day congratulatory speech, "The South and the North are not enemies. We are in a special relationship in the process of pursuing peaceful unification, and should respect and recognize each other's systems." He added, "The spirit contained in the Inter-Korean Basic Agreement runs through the June 15 Joint Declaration, the October 4 Declaration, the Panmunjom Declaration, and the September 19 Joint Declaration. Our government will respect existing agreements and implement feasible measures immediately."

He also said, "In particular, to prevent accidental clashes and build military trust between South and North, we will proactively and gradually restore the September 19 Military Agreement," and added, "This year, marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation, is the right time to open a new era of peaceful coexistence and joint prosperity." He concluded, "We will patiently hope that the North will respond on the path to restoring trust and resuming severed dialogue."