Yoon Seok-yeol "Skeptical of North Korea's 'betrayal' statement... Did Moon government hold secret talks with North Korea?"

Yoon Seok-yeol, a preliminary presidential candidate of the People Power Party. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] Regarding the recent disconnection of the restored inter-Korean communication hotline after two weeks, Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, raised suspicions of a secret agreement between the Moon Jae-in administration and North Korea.

On the 11th, Yoon posted on his Facebook, stating, "North Korea's arrogant actions threatening peace on the Korean Peninsula are crossing the line," and criticized, "The reality of inter-Korean relations, unilaterally led by the Moon Jae-in administration being dragged by North Korea, is clearly revealed."

This referred to the day before when Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un and Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, demanded the withdrawal of U.S. Forces Korea, followed by Kim Yong-chol, head of the Party's United Front Department, condemning the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises in a statement. The inter-Korean communication hotline, restored on the 27th of last month, has also been disconnected since the day before.

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential pre-candidate, raised suspicions of secret negotiations between the Moon Jae-in administration and North Korea on the 11th through his Facebook. Photo by Yoon's Facebook.

In this regard, Yoon demanded the government clarify suspicions of secret negotiations with North Korea. He questioned, "Was there any secret agreement with North Korea without informing the public while restoring the disconnected communication line?" He further urged, "I hope the government explains the situation as it is to the public, regarding why North Korea is making unreasonable hostile moves as if presenting a bill for the restoration of the communication line."

Yoon pointed to Kim Yo-jong's remarks as a part that raises suspicion of secret negotiations. He claimed, "Seeing the phrase in Kim Yo-jong's statement, 'We strongly regret the treacherous acts of South Korean authorities,' this suspicion grows even stronger."

He added, "Dialogue with North Korea is necessary and welcome," but emphasized, "However, it should aim for substantive peace and mutually beneficial exchange and cooperation. Now is the time to prioritize the safety of the people, prepare for possible provocations from North Korea, and firmly maintain the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

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