South Korean conservatives criticize Lee administration's diplomacy

Conservative politicians in South Korea have expressed concerns regarding the Lee Jae-myung administration’s diplomatic handling of the shifting security environment on the Korean Peninsula. During a seminar at the National Assembly, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon warned that South Korea risks being sidelined if the United States and North Korea reach a direct deal regarding nuclear freezes and sanctions relief.

Oh, a member of the People Power Party, also criticized the recent reduction in joint military exercises with the U.S., suggesting that the lack of prior notice regarding these changes indicates strained relations. He emphasized the necessity for South Korea to bolster its own defense capabilities.

Independent lawmaker Han Dong-hoon argued that South Korea must adopt a more proactive diplomatic stance, stating that the era of relying solely on Washington has ended. Han further criticized the government for not protesting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent characterization of the two Koreas as ‘two countries’ during a meeting with National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac.