Ahn Cheol-soo Pledges to Directly Chair NSC... "Neglect of Duty if No President"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, pledged on the 8th that he would personally preside over the National Security Council (NSC) if elected.

On the same day, Ahn stated on social media, "If a security issue arises, I will convene and preside over the NSC directly and report the discussed matters and response plans personally to the public," adding, "The president, as the chair of the NSC and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, should rightfully preside over the NSC directly."

He also pointed out, "Under the current administration, the president has presided over the NSC only a few times. Even when our public officials were shot and burned by North Korean soldiers, there were no reports that the president personally presided over a meeting," calling it "a serious flaw in the national governance system."

Ahn said, "It is neglect of duty for the president not to take charge in the face of North Korea’s threatening provocations," and promised, "The NSC will respond to the security situation on the Korean Peninsula based on international norms with principled and proactive measures."

He continued, "In situations where security is threatened, I will ensure that no other countries handle North Korean issues without consulting us," and added, "We will further strengthen the ROK-US alliance and the combined defense system to counter North Korea’s nuclear threat and the expansion strategies of neighboring countries."

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