Kim Tae-nyeon "Attitude of Treating the ROK-US Alliance as Sacred Is Excessive" Supports Lee Soo-hyuk's Remarks as Ambassador to the US

Kim Tae-nyeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th and delivering opening remarks. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, defended Ambassador Lee Soo-hyuk's remarks at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit, stating that "the attitude of treating the Korea-US alliance as a sacred sanctuary is excessive."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 14th, Floor Leader Kim said, "There has been controversy over Ambassador Lee's remarks at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee audit, so I would like to say a few words," adding, "No matter how many times I review the ambassador's remarks, the essence is that national interest must be prioritized in diplomacy."

He said, "I find it puzzling why a statement emphasizing the importance of national interest in an alliance becomes controversial and a target of attack," and added, "Korea and the US have maintained a strong alliance for the past 70 years, and the two countries will continue to cooperate closely to realize shared values and interests, but the attitude of treating the alliance as a sacred sanctuary is excessive."

He continued, "Maximizing national interest amid the rapidly changing international order is the foundation of diplomatic strategy," and emphasized, "I hope the opposition party stops its political attempts to distort public opinion and create division."

Earlier, on the 12th, during a video audit of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Ambassador Lee explained his past remarks on the US-China conflict by saying, "Korea did not choose the US 70 years ago to continue choosing the US for the next 70 years." This statement drew criticism from some opposition members who suggested it might appear to downplay the Korea-US alliance. The Korean Embassy in the US clarified via its Facebook account that "the Korea-US alliance is not only a promise made 70 years ago but is also based on shared values and interests between the two countries, and thus must be maintained now and in the future."

Meanwhile, regarding the ongoing Lime and Optimus allegations by the People Power Party, Floor Leader Kim urged, "The National Assembly audit should not be a battleground for political strife that amplifies baseless suspicions," and called for "faithful conduct of the audit to prepare measures for the inadequate supervision of private equity funds while observing the prosecution's investigation."

Regarding the Korean New Deal strategy meeting held the previous day, he said, "The Democratic Party will provide wholehearted support to ensure the success of the regional balanced New Deal promoted by local governments," and added, "There are 36 K-New Deal related bills that must be passed this year. We will establish an institutional foundation for the swift implementation of the K-New Deal during this regular session of the National Assembly."

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