Yoon Seok-yeol: "Ukraine Situation Is Not Unrelated to Us... Must Ensure Safety of Overseas Koreans and Prepare for Domestic Impact"

"Possibility of North Korea Conducting Strategic Provocations, Response Must Be Strengthened"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, argued that preparations are necessary for the impact on South Korea, including the safety of local Korean residents and economic effects, amid the escalating global tensions caused by the ongoing clashes in Ukraine. He also stated that the response system must be further strengthened due to concerns that North Korea might provoke provocations amid the chaos.

On the 20th, Yoon said, "We are closely monitoring the rising tensions between NATO forces, including the United States, and Russia surrounding the Ukraine situation," and added, "I strongly hope that this situation will be resolved peacefully."

He continued, "The Ukraine situation is by no means unrelated to us," and emphasized, "The safety of our citizens still staying in Ukraine is urgent. The government must immediately take measures to secure their safety in preparation for emergencies."

He also mentioned the economic impact on South Korea. He said, "It is necessary to prepare for the economic effects that the Ukraine situation may bring," and added, "The government must urgently establish economic security measures to prevent damage to our citizens and companies caused by soaring international oil prices, financial market instability, and sudden changes in global supply chains in case the situation worsens, while maintaining close contact with major related countries such as the United States."

He also claimed that North Korea might provoke provocations amid such chaos. He emphasized, "Above all, while the United States is focused on Europe, North Korea may carry out strategic provocations such as ballistic missile test launches and local provocations near the border." Yoon said, "The government must build a watertight ROK-US combined defense posture in preparation for any contingency and further strengthen extended deterrence (nuclear umbrella) to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats."

He then reiterated his security stance, saying, "Peace can be achieved not by words but through strong power."

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