Sung Il-jong: "Responding to North Korea's Technology Transfer... Must Consider Supporting Ukraine with Lethal Weapons"

Seong Il-jong, People Power Party Lawmaker, MBC Radio Interview
"In My Personal Opinion... Consensus Will Be Formed When the National Defense Committee Meets"

Regarding North Korea and Russia hinting at military technology cooperation, Seong Il-jong, a member of the People Power Party, stated, "If advanced technology currently enters North Korea, it would cause significant security issues, so I believe the South Korean government must review all possible options and be prepared." He also mentioned that support for lethal weapons to Ukraine should be considered.

Seong, a member of the National Assembly's Defense Committee, appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 14th and said, "Although the decision-making authority lies with the government, if Russia's urgent circumstances lead to advanced technology needed by North Korea being easily transferred to North Korea, the South Korean government needs to broadly review all options."

Seong Il-jong, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Seong explained, "What North Korea currently needs are advanced technologies such as nuclear submarine technology and space rocket launch technology, and I believe our government should also exercise control over these areas." He added, "We possess many advanced weapons from our K-defense industry, and if we were to support Ukraine with such weapons, Russia could suffer significant damage."

He continued, "In our political circles, regardless of party lines, various alternatives need to be reviewed," emphasizing, "Such a message must clearly be sent to Russia as well."

However, Seong clarified that this is a personal opinion not yet shared within the ruling party. He said, "The party may not have reviewed this, but as a member of the Defense Committee, I believe that diplomatic options related to our national defense must definitely be discussed within the political sphere." He added, "When the Defense Committee convenes in the future, I think many lawmakers, not just myself, will express similar opinions."

Regarding the possibility that the U.S. might request our government to impose sanctions on Russia, he stated, "Russia is currently a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a country with significant responsibility to lead the international order."

Seong said, "If Russia is supporting North Korea, which is currently under UN and international sanctions, by providing advanced technology and enhancing North Korea's military capabilities, then international cooperation is absolutely necessary."

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