"Self-Reliant National Defense Means Strengthening the South Korea-U.S. Alliance" Emphasized
"Security Instability Negatively Impacts the Economy" Pointed Out
Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, who continues to pursue an independent political path while criticizing both the Democratic Party of Korea and the People Power Party, directly addressed President Lee Jaemyung's remarks by stating, "Self-reliant national defense should not replace the South Korea-U.S. alliance, but rather be complementary to it." He added, "Believing that self-reliant national defense is impossible without foreign troops is a submissive mindset."
On the 22nd, Lee wrote on his social media, "President Lee Jaemyung emphasized self-reliant national defense. Self-reliant national defense should not replace the South Korea-U.S. alliance, but should be complementary to it." He continued, "A self-reliant national defense that replaces the South Korea-U.S. alliance would be a cause for celebration for North Korea, China, and Russia. This is because what they want most is a rift in the South Korea-U.S. alliance." He further asserted, "Instead of pursuing a self-reliant national defense that provokes the United States and is welcomed by North Korea, China, and Russia, we must strengthen our alliance and pursue a self-reliant national defense that deters our adversaries."
Lee also commented, "There are remarks that seem to suggest the South Korea-U.S. alliance is a shackle simply because trade negotiations are difficult." He pointed out, "However, the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Korea would not provide any advantage in trade negotiations." Emphasizing that security instability negatively impacts the economy, Lee stated, "What is concerning is that both presidents of South Korea and the United States are expressing skeptical views about the U.S. military presence in Korea." He argued, "President Trump approaches the U.S. military presence in Korea as a cost issue, while President Lee Jaemyung's self-reliant national defense theory could be misunderstood as advocating for the withdrawal of U.S. forces." He concluded, "The stronger we become, the greater our voice. We must pursue a self-reliant national defense that strengthens our alliance and deters our adversaries."
"Jang Donghyuk Is Following in Hwang Kyoan's Footsteps"-Lee Junseok Dismisses Possibility of Local Election Alliance
In addition to his criticism of President Lee Jaemyung, Lee also pointed out on MBN the previous day that the People Power Party's outdoor protests are an inefficient way to confront the ruling party, noting that the former Liberty Korea Party launched large-scale outdoor protests in the past but still lost in the general election. He further dismissed the possibility of an alliance between the People Power Party and the Reform New Party in the local elections scheduled for June next year.
In response to Lee's remarks, Sujoh Son, Media Spokesperson for the People Power Party, immediately posted on her social media, "Assemblyman Lee should worry about his own future," and questioned, "With the Republic of Korea on the brink, what alternatives is he seeking while wearing hanbok with the Democratic Party of Korea?" This was a reference to the first regular session of the National Assembly after the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration on the 1st, where, at the suggestion of National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik, Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers attended the plenary session in hanbok, and Lee also appeared in hanbok on the same day. Responding to Lee's criticism, Spokesperson Son further argued, "This is not a time for mere political strife, but a time for an all-out effort to defend democracy and constitutional order," and insisted, "Outdoor protests in solidarity with the people are not a choice, but a duty."
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