Yoon Seok-yeol Launches Diplomatic and Security Differentiation... National Leader Vision Unveiled

Emphasizing Confident Diplomacy and Strong Security
Continuously Announcing Life-Oriented Pledges

Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, presented a vision as a 'strong national leader' through a diplomacy and security policy centered on 'denuclearization.' Since it is a vision rather than a specific pledge, it is evaluated as an initiative to differentiate himself from Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, by suggesting the direction of national governance. In particular, there is an interpretation that this is a response to North Korean propaganda media raising a 'resignation theory' due to his 'preemptive strike' remarks.

On the 24th, Candidate Yoon announced a global diplomacy and security vision titled 'A Global Hub Nation Contributing to Freedom, Peace, and Prosperity' at the People Power Party Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul.

Candidate Yoon emphasized 'dignified diplomacy and robust security.' He especially prioritized the realization of a denuclearized and prosperous Korean Peninsula. To this end, he proposed a predictable denuclearization roadmap and plans to establish a South-North-US liaison office to facilitate smooth negotiations. He also stated that international sanctions against North Korea will be maintained until complete denuclearization is achieved, but if North Korea takes substantial denuclearization measures beforehand, economic support to North Korea could be provided using exemptions from UN sanctions. Yoon's camp explained, "This is a point of contention with Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, who supports easing sanctions even before substantial denuclearization, and it is expected to become a key issue in future debates."

He promised a strong response to the threat of North Korean nuclear missiles. Candidate Yoon intends to focus on rebuilding the Korea-US alliance, which has weakened over the past five years. Accordingly, he plans to conduct theater-level joint exercises (CPX) and field training exercises (FTX) between Korea and the US as usual, complete environmental impact assessments, and ensure operational conditions to normalize the THAAD base. Along with this, to secure preemptive strike capabilities known as the 'kill chain' and strengthen the Korean Missile Defense System (KAMD) and Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) capabilities, he will equip surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities capable of monitoring all North Korean territory and acquire ultra-precision and hypersonic missiles. North Korean media outlet 'Tongil-ui Maeari' raised a resignation theory against Candidate Yoon on the 22nd for mentioning 'preemptive strike,' but Yoon said the day before, "I have no intention to resign," adding, "The people of the Republic of Korea come first." Regarding the comprehensive strategic alliance between Korea and the US, Yoon said, "Through restoring trust between allies, we will expand our national interests and global roles, and based on the values of liberal democracy, we will jointly design the future vision of the Asia-Pacific region and the global order." He added, "In particular, we will expand and deepen cooperation in new frontier areas such as new technologies, space, and nuclear reactors."

He will also focus on actively promoting economic security diplomacy. First, to implement supply chain security, the government plans to support diversifying and securing the supply chains of key strategic materials that directly affect the national economy.

Additionally, he promised to realize a 'nation where those who sacrificed for the country do not feel anger,' focusing on fostering a strong military based on artificial intelligence (AI) science and technology, including 'Defense Innovation 4.0,' guaranteeing soldiers a monthly salary of 2 million won, and awarding 5 points for private housing subscription and points for public rental housing.

Along with presenting a grand discourse on diplomacy and security, Candidate Yoon also announced a series of daily life-oriented pledges on the same day. Through the 'Heart-throbbing Pledge' series, he emphasized sinkhole prevention. This is interpreted as a response to the sinkhole measuring 3 meters wide, 2 meters long, and 1 meter deep that occurred near Jongno 5-ga Station in Seoul's subway the day before. Considering that most sinkholes occur due to ground weakening caused by leaks in aging water and sewage pipes, he promised to significantly increase the budget for detailed investigations of aging water and sewage pipes. In the '59-second Shorts,' he emphasized the 'mandatory installation of taxi safety systems' and 'mandatory registration of pet cats.' Installing safety devices in taxis costs about 800,000 won per vehicle on average, and the government plans to provide subsidies. For pet cats, registration will exempt owners from fines, and animal welfare efforts include providing benefits such as medical insurance enrollment in cooperation with local governments and others.

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