On October 5, opposing political parties in South Korea took conflicting stances on General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim Jong Un’s recent statements regarding the U.S.-South Korea alliance and his call for corresponding military measures.
During a press conference at the National Assembly, Park Ji-hye, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party, addressed Kim’s remarks, stating that it urges North Korea to join the international community in pursuing cooperation aimed at ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
Park further added that the Lee Jae Myung People’s Sovereignty Government remains committed to building upon the peace initiatives on the Korean Peninsula established by Presidents Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and Moon Jae-in. Further noting that it encourages North Korea to respond positively to the proposals for dialogue and cooperation intended to secure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and within the international community.
In contrast, the People Power Party sharply criticized the government’s submissive attitude toward North Korea.
Son Beom-gyu, a spokesperson for the People Power Party, commented that President Lee and Minister Chung Dong-young have already alarmed the public with their remarks about freezing North Korea’s nuclear program and recognizing it as a nuclear state. It is concerning to witness the President exhibiting such a submissive stance toward China and North Korea, and for the Unification Minister to suggest that ‘we should halt live-fire and field training exercises. Further noting that they are eager to hear how they intend to justify their positions in light of Kim’s latest statements.
Son emphasized the need to strengthen alliances with partner nations as a preemptive deterrent against North Korean aggression. He insisted that the government must respond firmly and unequivocally to threats emanating from North Korea.
Earlier, at the opening of North Korea’s military equipment exhibition Defense Development-2025 in Pyongyang, Kim denounced U.S.-South Korea nuclear consultations and joint exercises as a dangerous scenario, warning that the Korean Peninsula would never be a safe territory under such conditions.