On October 11, the People Power Party criticized the government’s insufficient response to North Korea’s unveiling of its new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20, during the Workers’ Party’s 80th anniversary parade the previous day.
Chief Spokesperson Choi Eun-seok stated that typically, such a situation would prompt early morning discussions about convening the National Security Council (NSC), with the foreign and security ministries bustling with activity and media outlets inundated with reports. Yet, Saturday morning in South Korea was eerily quiet.
Choi expressed concern over President Lee Jae Myung’s reaction, noting that he worries that he might have dismissed it casually—perhaps even jokingly with popcorn in hand, saying, North Korea really excels at this; it should take notes.
He emphasized that the Russia-Ukraine war isn’t a distant European issue. The crucial point is North Korea’s direct involvement, which has led to significant advancements in their strategic weapons technology.
Choi then questioned on what its doing in response. He warned that South Korea is increasingly isolated on the global stage, and there is growing concern that the fallout from U.S. tariff negotiations could spill over into the foreign and security spheres.
He argued that these times call for strategic restraint and meticulous message management. Yet we see the President, Prime Minister, head of the Presidential Policy Office, and Democratic Party leadership openly pushing anti-U.S. narratives. This irresponsible behavior risks fracturing the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Choi concluded that without a robust South Korea-U.S. alliance, neither China, Japan, nor North Korea will consider South Korea a significant partner. When alliances falter, our diplomatic standing crumbles.