Lee Jae-myung "Concerned about security issues... Let's promptly form the National Assembly Defense Committee"

Lee "Did you consult with the UN Command on broadcasts to North Korea?"
Park Chandae "The formation of the original committee must be completed by the 17th"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, "This is a time when security on the Korean Peninsula is a concern due to a strong confrontation," and added, "The National Assembly's Defense Committee should be promptly formed to understand the current issues and devise countermeasures."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 14th, Lee said, "One of the truly worrisome areas in state administration is the security issue," and urged, "The government and the ruling party should not be mired in political strife but actively address security issues as the responsible entities for state affairs." He continued, "On the 9th, dozens of North Korean soldiers crossed the Military Demarcation Line and then returned," emphasizing, "The National Assembly must play a role regarding such matters." Furthermore, he added, "I hope the standing committees will be quickly formed and the National Assembly will transition into a working parliament."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

During the meeting, he mentioned, "According to some reports, the Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command and UN Command expressed concerns about broadcasting to North Korea using loudspeakers," and said, "If true, this indicates a disagreement between South Korea and the US, which are key pillars of security." He also stated, "The government decided and executed the reinstallation of loudspeakers for broadcasts to North Korea in a very short period, raising doubts about whether they consulted with the UN Command during that time." This comment was made in response to reports on the 12th that the UN Command Commander met with Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and expressed concerns about resuming loudspeaker broadcasts to North Korea.

Park Chan-dae, the floor leader, also urged the swift formation of the standing committee, citing the deterioration of inter-Korean relations. Park said, "With North Korean leaflets, filthy balloons, and loudspeakers, inter-Korean relations are heading toward a crisis on the brink of conflict," and added, "However, the Defense Committee, which should handle these issues, has not been formed." He continued, "The National Assembly is stalled as a half-functioning body due to the People Power Party's illegal refusal to work," and fiercely criticized, "There is no more time or reason to wait." He emphasized, "Please ensure that the plenary session is held next Monday (the 17th) to complete the formation of seven standing committees," and urged, "The People Power Party should stop being stubborn and come to work."