Handonghun: "Security and National Interest Must Take Priority Over Emotional Criticism Regarding Maduro"

Amid Controversy Over Maduro's Capture, "Politicians Must Remain Cool-Headed"
Counters Progressive Claims of Aggression

Handonghun, former leader of the People Power Party, addressed the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties over the United States' operation to arrest and extradite Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. He stressed, "Instead of siding with the dictator Maduro and focusing solely on emotionally criticizing the United States, we should analyze how this issue could impact South Korea's security and diplomacy." On January 4, Handonghun wrote on social media, "In the reality of the jungle-like world, we must prioritize our national interests above all else," adding, "The moment emotional involvement for domestic political purposes takes precedence, the cool-headed judgment required for diplomacy and security becomes clouded."

Handonghun, Former Leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

Previously, some progressive parties, including the Rebuilding Korea Innovation Party and the Progressive Party, strongly criticized the United States' intervention in Venezuela and the arrest of President Maduro, calling it "a clear act of aggression and a violation of international law" and labeling the U.S. as a "lawless rogue state." Regarding this, Handonghun criticized these comments as "reckless remarks by Korean politicians who failed to consider the national interest." However, he also acknowledged that the U.S. action is not without controversy in the international community.

He further stated, "The operation to arrest Maduro could face significant criticism within the United States on both legal and ethical grounds, and it is difficult to view the precedent it sets in a wholly positive light," adding, "There will inevitably be repercussions throughout the international community." Nevertheless, Handonghun drew a clear line, saying, "That does not mean we have any reason to side with Maduro, who was a brutal dictator."

In particular, Handonghun referenced the stance of the United States and Western countries toward Venezuela, saying, "Across the first Trump administration, the Biden administration, and the potential second Trump administration, the United States has not recognized the Maduro regime as a legitimate government." He added, "The European Union, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have also moved toward a position close to 'neutrality' but are leaning somewhat toward the United States as they condemn Maduro's dictatorship."

He went on to say, "Politicians who have actively incited anti-American sentiment even before the arrest of Maduro should exercise restraint. It does not serve the national interest." He criticized, "It is contradictory for those who previously labeled the United States as an 'imperialist power' for not intervening in the dictatorship and human rights abuses of the Chun Doo-hwan regime during the Reagan administration in the 1980s, to now denounce only the 'lawlessness' of the United States in this situation." In conclusion, Handonghun reiterated, "While the public and intellectuals may engage in a wide range of debates, politicians must ultimately prioritize the national interest with a cool head," emphasizing once again, "In the harsh realities of the international order, realistic judgment is essential."