Hong Joon-pyo’s ‘nuclear drive’ draws concerns
Liberty Korea Party (LKP) Chairman Hong Joon-pyo is stepping up his push for the redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons in South Korea, while rejecting proposals for discussions on security concerns resulting from North Korea.
Hong vowed Monday to launch a petition in support of the redeployment, saying he can draw support from at least 10 million people.
“The redeployment of U.S. nuclear weapons is the only way left for South Korea to face North Korea’s nuclear hostage-taking,” Hong said on Facebook. “Please join this campaign for the survival of the next generation.”
The largest conservative party plans to collect signatures via the internet and street campaigns. Hong plans to send a group of LKP lawmakers to the U.S., China and Japan to rev up support for the redeployment.
President Moon Jae-in has offered dialogue with the leaders of political parties to discuss the worsening security situation following North Korea’s sixth nuclear test. All parties except for the LKP accepted the proposal.
“It has become extremely clear that diplomacy or dialogue are not solutions. That means the only path we can take is through operating tactical nuclear weapons,” Hong said in an interview with The Washington Post last week.
In addition, LKP lawmaker Won Yoo-chul said he will deliver a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump to urge the redeployment. “According to a recent opinion poll, 60 percent of respondents backed the tactical nuclear weapons or nuclear armament,” Rep. Won said in a press release, Sunday.
“The redeployment is a minimum measure to deter North Korea’s heightening threats. By dismissing security anxiety here, the redeployment is likely to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance,” he added.
As of Monday, over 30 LKP lawmakers signed the letter. Rep. Won will deliver the letter this week.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) slammed the LKP’s moves, Monday.
“The LKP’s move to isolate the presidential office and seek direct contacts with the U.S. politicians is as worrisome as North Korea’s nuclear development,” Rep. Song Young-gil, head of the Northern Economic Cooperation Committee, said in a radio interview.
“The conservative party has lashed out at President Moon for being alienated from international talks aimed at resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. Recently, the LKP is making the situation worse,” Song said, adding South Korea does not need U.S. tactical nuclear weapons.
Experts echoed this point. “The LKP’s moves look insane,” said Kim Dong-yup, professor at the Institute for Far East Studies of Kyungnam University.