Yoon: "Live means death, die means life" spirit solidarity... Faded Ukraine message

Government "President Yoon Emphasizes Responsible Diplomacy and Support for Ukraine"
Criticism of Trip to Ukraine Amid Domestic Flooding Situation

President Yoon Suk-yeol made a surprise visit to Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, expressing a strong commitment to solidarity. However, the visit itself has become a subject of controversy due to the flood damage occurring domestically. As the first Korean president to visit a country at war rather than a deployment site of Korean troops, he emphasized 'responsible diplomacy,' but the impact has been somewhat diminished.

On the afternoon of the 15th (local time), President Yoon made a surprise visit to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. On that day, after holding a summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, President Yoon announced through a joint press release that he would promote the 'Ukraine Peace Solidarity Initiative,' which encompasses three types of support: security, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction, to help restore normalcy in Ukraine.

President Yoon said, "If we strongly unite and fight together with the spirit of 'live means death, die means life,' we will surely be able to protect our freedom and democracy."

President Yoon Suk-yeol, who completed a state-level official visit schedule in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, made a sudden visit to Ukraine on the 15th (local time) and is visiting the Wall of Remembrance for the Fallen in Kyiv. Photo by Yonhap News Agency, Office of the President

The government explained that this is the first time a Korean president has visited a battlefield rather than a deployment site of Korean troops, showing a strong will of solidarity between Korea and Ukraine.

Jang Ho-jin, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' "As a responsible member of the international community, we have expressed our intention to fulfill our role as a global pivotal state and practice responsible diplomacy by strongly supporting Ukraine."

Regarding the 'live means death, die means life' remark, he explained, "The reason the international community is supporting Ukraine is because Russia violated international law and norms by invading Ukraine with force. To prevent such incidents from recurring, strong support and solidarity from the international community are necessary, and our country intends to take the lead in participating in such international solidarity, which was emphasized in the statement."

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands after a joint press conference following the South Korea-Ukraine summit at the Mariinsky Palace, the presidential residence in Kyiv, Ukraine, on the 15th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency, Office of the President

However, criticism has arisen both inside and outside the political sphere regarding President Yoon's visit to Ukraine. It was considered ill-timed as dozens of casualties occurred due to heavy domestic rainfall.

The explanation from the presidential office also sparked controversy. On the 16th (local time), a presidential office official said during a briefing in Warsaw, Poland, in response to reporters' questions about whether the visit to Ukraine was considered for cancellation amid the spreading domestic flood damage, "At that time (the evening of the 14th), it seemed there would be no opportunity to visit Ukraine until the war ends, so the decision had to be made."

Cheon Ha-ram, the People Power Party's Jeonnam Suncheon-gap district committee chairman, pointed out, "It was a very wrong message." On the 17th, on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' he said, "It was somewhat difficult to completely cancel the sudden visit to Ukraine due to various diplomatic issues. We ask for the public's understanding, and if we had issued a message with a more humble attitude, led by the Prime Minister, it might have been better."

There are also concerns that the visit to Ukraine could worsen Korea-Russia relations. Choi Jae-sung, former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, said on KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strong Current Affairs,' "We are not a party to the war. However, using expressions like 'live means death, die means life' is a statement that provokes and worsens relations with Russia."

Choi added, "Even if the visit took place, was it necessary to use such expressions? This raises concerns that we might eventually move toward steps such as directly supplying lethal weapons or responding to U.S. demands."

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