Democrats: "Suspension of 9·19 Agreement Is Wrong"... Lee Jae-myung Mentions 'Bukpung', "Concerned About Military Provocation"

Government Suspends Military Agreement Due to North Korea's Reconnaissance Satellite Launch
Lee: "Must Be More Cautious... Security Sacrificed for Political Purposes"
Hong Ik-pyo: "Suspension Is a Wrong Prescription"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed concerns by mentioning the "North Wind" in relation to President Yoon Suk-yeol’s approval of the "partial suspension of the effectiveness of the September 19 military agreement" in response to North Korea’s launch of a military reconnaissance satellite. The term "North Wind" is used to describe North Korea’s attempts to influence election outcomes through sudden actions, including military provocations, ahead of elections. Lee emphasized, "Security and people’s livelihoods should not be sacrificed for political or strategic purposes."

On the morning of the 22nd, at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Lee referred to North Korea’s military reconnaissance satellite launch, stating, "The government’s first response to this incident was the suspension of the effectiveness of the September 19 agreement," and added, "This should be discussed carefully." He also pointedly said, "I worry that if the political situation becomes critical and the election situation worsens, a situation might arise where military provocations are induced on the front lines or conflicts are left unchecked, similar to the past 'North Wind'."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 22nd. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

Lee stated, "(North Korea’s reconnaissance satellite launch) is a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions, and we strongly condemn it," emphasizing again, "It is absolutely necessary to devise effective measures to control North Korea’s strategic weapons provocations, but this should not lead to the creation of a new security crisis or the sacrifice of the safety of the Korean people and peace on the Korean Peninsula for political or strategic goals."

He continued, "The whole world is witnessing a phenomenon where countries, despite hostility, cooperate to solve issues related to livelihoods," and said, "Although conflicts and confrontations between the U.S. and China seem to be intensifying, leaders are ultimately meeting again to strengthen cooperation. Meanwhile, we have become isolated." He added, "The primary goal of the nation is the life and safety of its people and the survival of the national community."

Hong Ik-pyo, floor leader of the Democratic Party, also expressed concerns about the suspension of the September 19 military agreement’s effectiveness. He said, "Our government must handle this issue firmly yet wisely through cooperation with the international community," but added, "Suspending part of the effectiveness of the September 19 military agreement is a wrong prescription. The military agreement is intended to prevent accidental clashes in the inter-Korean border area, separate from long-range rocket launches, and it should be maintained, expanded, and developed further."

Hong criticized, "It is undesirable for the government to make choices that fail to resolve problems while only giving North Korea excuses for provocations and fueling inter-Korean conflicts," and warned, "Keep in mind that the U.S. is taking a very cautious stance to avoid escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula region." He added, "Diplomacy used to strengthen political positions in domestic affairs will come at a greater cost."

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