Opposition Presidential Hopefuls Questioning 'Presidential Qualifications' Jointly Criticize North Korea Shooting Incident (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Opposition presidential hopefuls have collectively condemned the government's response, questioning the president's qualifications following the incident in which a government official who went missing at sea near Yeonpyeong Island in the West Sea was shot and killed by North Korean forces, and the body was mutilated.

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, who had refrained from commenting until now, posted on Facebook after two months. He stated, "President Moon does not have the qualifications of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces," and sharply criticized, "If he cannot protect his own people because he is worried about North Korea and tries to appease them, then why does the state exist?" He added, "The president must make a decisive move to punish North Korea for this tragedy," and emphasized, "This is not the time to leisurely talk about a declaration to end the war or peace rhetoric."

Governor Won Hee-ryong of Jeju also demanded a strong government response through his Facebook, saying, "The reason for the existence of the state is to prioritize the protection of the lives and property of its citizens."

He pointed out, "(North Korea's actions) clearly violate the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration and the September 19 military agreement concluded under the current administration," and stated, "We must immediately obtain an apology from North Korea, punishment of those responsible, compensation for damages, and a promise to prevent recurrence." He further criticized, "The government's failure to respond strongly to North Korea's provocations and atrocities bears significant responsibility," and said, "The people are questioning the reason for the existence of the government and military of the Republic of Korea."

Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also targeted the president on Facebook, asking, "Is he really the president of the Republic of Korea? Is his judgment normal?" He said, "Can we entrust and rely on President Moon with our lives and the security of our country?" and described, "It was truly, truly, truly a heartbreaking day when, even after two days, there was not the slightest consolation from the president for the families whose sky had fallen."

People Power Party lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo criticized Defense Minister Seo Wook at the National Defense Committee plenary session on the 24th, asking, "During the Sewol ferry incident, you attacked President Park Geun-hye for what was done during the seven hours, but what have you done in the more than two days since now?" He also targeted President Moon on his Facebook, calling him a "truly absurd president" and questioned, "Is he really the president of the Republic of Korea?" for not attending the emergency meeting chaired by the Blue House National Security Office chief.

People’s Party leader Ahn Cheol-soo posted an urgent statement on Facebook, saying, "Hearing from military officials that it was difficult to respond actively because the incident occurred on the North Korean side made my blood boil. What feelings does the president have about North Korea’s atrocities?" He emphasized, "A government that has no will to protect its people has no reason to exist. We must strongly protest to North Korea and demand strict punishment of those responsible."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.