Director Suh Seung-rak Holds Briefing on the 29th
"Ruling Party's Hardline Stance Toward the U.S. Is Not Negotiation Leverage"
Suh Seung-rak, Director of the National Security Office, is giving a briefing on the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News
Regarding the recent controversy over conflicts between the pro-alliance and pro-autonomy factions, Suh Seung-rak, Director of the National Security Office, dismissed the issue on the 29th, stating, "I do not consider myself part of any faction." He also emphasized, in response to interpretations that classify him as pro-alliance, "I am one of those who take a very strong stance during negotiations with the United States."
At a briefing held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on this day, Director Suh responded to a question about claims that there are too many pro-alliance figures around the President and that reforms are needed, by saying, "I do not consider myself part of any faction," and explained, "What I do is to select and advocate for the optimal national interest under the given circumstances."
The conflict between the pro-alliance faction, which prioritizes the South Korea-U.S. alliance, and the pro-autonomy faction, which focuses on inter-Korean relations, surfaced after former Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun publicly mentioned it on the 26th. At a National Assembly seminar hosted by the Foreign Affairs, Security, and Unification Advisory Council, former Minister Jeong pointed out, "There are too many so-called pro-alliance figures," and added, "Reform of the President's close aides is necessary."
Afterward, some interpreted former Minister Jeong's remarks as being directed at Director Suh, since he is a former diplomat and has often been regarded as part of the pro-alliance faction that values the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
However, Director Suh stated, "Currently, tariff negotiations with the United States are underway, and there are various opinions that the process is insufficient," adding, "People talk about factions, but within the Presidential Office, I am one of those who take a very strong stance." In doing so, Director Suh directly refuted criticism from some quarters that, as a member of the pro-alliance faction, he is excessively favorable toward the United States.
Director Suh also commented on some strong remarks directed at the United States from certain members of the Democratic Party of Korea, saying, "I do not believe this serves as negotiation leverage." He further stated, "Political circles, public opinion, and civil organizations may all have their own views, and we negotiate under such circumstances," and firmly added, "We do not use or encourage such remarks as negotiation leverage."
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