Han Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, declared that South Korea’s freedom and democracy are facing a serious test. However, it will not give up.
According to a video released on Friday through the People Power Party’s YouTube channel, Han made these remarks during a speech at the International Republican Institute (IRI) in the U.S. on Wednesday.
He emphasized that freedom and democracy are constantly tested, but they ultimately endure when those who believe in them have the resolve to protect them. South Korea and the U.S. will face this challenge together. The party and the South Korean people will spare no effort to strengthen the U.S.-South Korea alliance and expand the coalition for freedom.
Regarding North Korea, he expressed that its party has serious concerns about the current South Korean government’s approach and policies toward North Korea, and many South Koreans view this as naive and dangerous.
He continued that dialogue with North Korea has completely broken down. The level of military provocations has intentionally and consistently escalated. He added that despite this, the current South Korean government seems to prioritize the appearance of dialogue and conciliatory gestures over actual deterrence.
He criticized that simultaneously, they have pushed for a reduction in defense capabilities, scaled back U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises, and taken actions that undermine the foundation of the alliance by moving toward restoring the September 19 inter-Korean military agreement.
He asserted that North Korea’s nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities are not just a problem for South Korea. If it does not take timely and decisive measures to address the serious and imminent threat posed by North Korean nuclear weapons, North Korea will become America’s next major concern after the conflict in Iran. Peace through strength is the only viable solution on the Korean Peninsula.
Han addressed the Middle East conflicts, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that South Korea is one of the countries with the highest energy dependency in the world. He added that therefore, the security of that corridor is not a mere abstract concept but a critical issue of national economic and security importance.
He declared that he believes that South Korea must fulfill its role alongside the U.S. and other free nations to ensure the free and unobstructed passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
After completing his five-night, seven-day visit to the U.S., Han will return home this afternoon.