Congressman Kim Geon of the People Power Party criticized President Lee Jae Myung for claiming he was hearing about the issue of South Korean citizens detained in North Korea for the first time. Kim argued that the president’s lack of awareness about the detentions is a serious concern.
Kim, who serves as the secretary of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, expressed his views on Facebook, stating that there is no justification that takes precedence over the lives and safety of the citizens.
During a press conference with foreign media at the Blue House on the morning of Wednesday, marking one year since the emergency martial law was declared, President Lee responded to a question about South Korean citizens detained in North Korea by asking, Is this the first I’m hearing of it? Are there South Koreans being held? He then inquired with National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac about the facts, timing, and circumstances surrounding the issue.
Kim noted that the reporter who asked the question, along with other foreign journalists, must have been taken aback by the president’s unexpected response. He added that it is deeply disappointing that the president was unaware of the basic fact that there are detainees.
He continued that in a developed nation, such a situation would be treated as a top national priority. Kim emphasized that if South Korea engages in dialogue with North Korea, the repatriation of South Korean citizens who have been abducted or detained must be a key agenda item.
Furthermore, he stated that a government that neglects its citizens detained in North Korea cannot earn the trust of the people, and any North Korea policy will lack legitimacy. He urged the government to take responsible measures to resolve the issue of abducted and detained citizens.
Meanwhile, North Korea has illegally arrested and detained six South Koreans, including missionaries Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kuk-ki, and Choe Chun-gil, as well as three defectors, between 2013 and 2016. North Korea has not even confirmed the status of these individuals.
The South Korean government continues to demand the release and repatriation of its citizens detained in North Korea, but North Korea claims these individuals are serious criminals and refuses to engage in discussions on the matter.