People Power Party Warns of "North Korean Regime's Future"
Rebuilding Korea Party Labels U.S. Actions as "State Terrorism"
Democratic Party of Korea Stresses "Security with National Interest as Top Priority"
The political sphere has reached a consensus that ensuring the safety of the public must be the top priority in response to the Iranian airstrike crisis. However, there are differences in the approach between the ruling and opposition parties. The ruling party has emphasized a cautious response focused on national interests, while opposition parties have simultaneously raised hardline views linking the situation to the security of the Korean Peninsula and voices condemning the U.S. invasion.
First, the opposition has framed the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran as a major variable affecting the security dynamics of the Korean Peninsula, drawing parallels with the North Korean nuclear issue. On March 2, Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, stated at the party's Supreme Council meeting, "(The U.S. airstrike on Iran) could be a preview of the future that awaits North Korea's Kim Jong Un," adding, "North Korea, as the last remaining axis of evil, will hold onto its nuclear arsenal even more tightly and start calculating its survival."
He further remarked, "This situation is not merely a change in the diplomatic landscape," stressing, "A geopolitical tsunami is sweeping in, shaking the fate of the Korean Peninsula."
Na Kyungwon, a senior lawmaker from the People Power Party, urged the government to strengthen its solidarity with the U.S.-led liberal democratic alliance. Na said, "Countries such as Australia, Canada, and Japan have all expressed clear support for the United States, or at least issued strong criticism of the Iranian nuclear threat. However, our authorities have only made a general remark about 'easing regional tensions' in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This leads me to question whether we are truly on the same side as our fellow liberal democracies."
Foreigners at Incheon Airport watch news related to the rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East due to attacks by the United States and Israel, leading to cancellations of flights to destinations including Dubai on the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News
On the other hand, the Innovation Party for the Homeland strongly objected to the situation, characterizing it as an act of state-level terrorism. In a statement released on March 1, the party described the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes as "an explicit act of state terrorism."
Han Gaseon, spokesperson for the Innovation Party for the Homeland, said, "The leader of a sovereign nation was assassinated by foreign military forces on his own soil," and declared, "We strongly condemn the U.S. invasion, which is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter."
In response, Lee Eonju, Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, drew a line, saying, "While it is truly regrettable that some civilian casualties occurred during the airstrikes by Israel and the U.S., I cannot agree with the position of the Homeland Party regarding Khamenei's death."
She added, "Of course, we must do our utmost to observe international legal norms, but we also need to recognize the realities of the international community with a clear mind and respond with strategic judgment. The standard should not be simply right or wrong, but rather what best serves our national interests."
The Iranian network visiting Korea is holding a rally urging the U.S. government to intervene militarily in Iran, waving the Iranian flag from the Pahlavi dynasty era. Photo by Yonhap News
There were also arguments that political logic should take a back seat to public safety and economic interests. Kim Gun, floor secretary of the People Power Party on the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs, National Defense and Unification Committee, wrote on Facebook, "This situation is not just a regional conflict; it is a major international variable that could have immediate impact on us."
He outlined urgent tasks for the government to address, including securing the safety of Korean nationals abroad, preventing the possible detention of Korean vessels, and ensuring oil transportation routes in anticipation of a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Kim noted, "There is a possibility that international doubts about the Trump administration's crisis management capabilities could intensify. In addition, surging energy prices, mounting inflationary pressures, and instability in global financial markets could all directly hit our economy," calling for thorough analysis and response to the long-term ripple effects.
Kim Youngbae, floor secretary for the ruling party on the Foreign Affairs Committee, also stressed the importance of protecting the safety of Korean nationals. Kim said, "As military tensions in the Middle East escalate and airports are shut down, our citizens remaining in the region are experiencing severe psychological anxiety and safety concerns. I have urgently requested that the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prepare countermeasures and closely monitor the situation," emphasizing the need for a government-level response.
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