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| Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, does the "manse" (cheer) gesture of the March 1 Independence Movement, with two Korean national flags in his hands, during a campaign activity in Myeong-dong, central Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps |
Lee likens Yoon to Japan's right-wingers; Yoon hits back accusing DPK candidate of treason
By Kwon Mee-yoo
The two leading presidential candidates tried to discredit each other's policies on Korea-Japan relations, Tuesday, as the day marks the 103rd anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement.
Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), said he wouldn't allow Japan's Self-Defense Forces to enter Korea under any circumstances, noting that Japan does not regret its past invasions of Korea.
"I will take a respectable path for the patriotic martyrs who pursued independence for Korea and for the people of Korea," he said during a televised speech on the 103th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement on KBS, Tuesday.
Lee's remarks targeted his rival, main opposition People Power Party (PPP) presidential candidate Yoon Suk-yeol.
Lee said that Yoon's perceptions of diplomacy and security are flawed, adding that he was stunned when he heard Yoon's remarks that he would allow Japan's Self-Defense Forces to enter Korea.
"It is unbelievable that a presidential candidate of Korea could make such careless remarks. He shouldn't have said that even if it was a slip of the tongue," Lee said.
During a TV debate last Friday, minor progressive Justice Party candidate Sim Sang-jung asked Yoon if he would be willing to proceed with forming a trilateral military alliance among South Korea, the United States and Japan, if he gets elected. Yoon replied that Sim was presenting a hypothetical situation, and so he did not think it was the time to think about it. When Sim kept pressuring him to answer if he would consider forming a trilateral military alliance, which would allow Japan's Self-Defense Forces on Korean soil, Yoon evaded the question but stopped short of saying that he would allow Japan's Self-Defense Forces to enter Korea. But the DPK took advantage of Yoon's unclear stance, accusing the PPP candidate of siding with Japan's far right.
Lee also condemned Yoon's "preemptive strike" remarks. "His idea of additional THAAD deployment is unrealistic and unnecessary... The North Korean variables in the past elections are appearing in the form of an additional THAAD system."
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| Yoon Suk-yeol, the main opposition People Power Party presidential candidate, pays tribute to independence movement activists at the Seoul National Cemetery, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps |
Yoon then lashed out at Lee and the DPK.
Speaking to a crowd gathered at his campaign rally in Seoul's Dongjak District, Tuesday, Yoon criticized the DPK's members, claiming they are "corrupt, unethical and incapable." He went on to say that the "arrogant and lawless" Moon Jae-in government despises the Korean public.
Referring to the DPK's political reform proposal that calls for a coalition government with other parties, the prosecutor-turned-politician said that they should pack their belongings and go home soon. "It's ridiculous for people like them to seek a coalition with others," he said. "I know there are some great people out there in the DPK, but the people who are helping Lee are the ones who are responsible for the mismanagement of the nation over the past five years… If I get elected, I will work closely together with the sensible politicians in the DPK to achieve unity and economic growth."
Yoon visited the Seoul National Cemetery on Tuesday to pay tribute to Korean independence fighters.
Yoon released a special statement on the March 1 Independence Movement after his visit, criticizing Lee's remark that "No matter how expensive peace is, it is better than a war won."
"Lee's remarks are similar to the words of Ye Wan-yong (a pro-Japan official during the late Joseon era who played a key role in Japan's forced annexation of Korea) who justified Japan's annexation by saying, 'Even a bad peace is better than war,'" Yoon wrote on Facebook.
Yoon noted that the spirit of the March 1 Independence Movement is not unconditional anti-Japan sentiment, but overcoming the wounds of Japanese colonial rule and taking a step forward to becoming a leading global country. "To achieve this, we have to be self-reliant based on international solidarity, rising above Japan," Yoon wrote.
Yoon also showed his respect to the martyrs who fought for the country's independence. "Watching the leaders and people of Ukraine continue to fight back, I express the deepest respect for those who fought for Korea," he wrote.
Yoon emphasized that Korea obtained freedom and peace based on the "sacrifice and dedication of our ancestors."
In regard to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Yoon once again criticized Lee for remarking that the Ukrainian president was a "novice politician" who had provoked Russia, which is what led to the clash.
"Lee ridiculed Ukraine and its people and took the side of one country that invaded another country hoping for peace. I have to ask Lee in return if South Korea is responsible for the North Korean invasion," Yoon wrote.
Going against the Moon Jae-in administration's foreign policy, Yoon emphasized the importance of the Korea-U.S. alliance to protect Seoul from Pyongyang's nuclear threats.
"With the tragedy of Ukraine shown to the world in real time, Koreans are recognizing the importance of national security more than ever. Strong national defense as well as good alliances are necessary to prevent wars," Yoon said.
