Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, criticized the Yoon administration on September 12 following North Korea's ballistic missile launch, stating, "The Lee Jae-myung administration is constantly going backward." He specifically claimed that President Lee has abandoned national defense and is no longer acting as a president.
In a Facebook post, Jang noted, "The ballistic missile fired by North Korea early in the morning traveled 250 kilometers from Wonsan, which means it could reach our metropolitan area."
He added, "In July, Kim Jong-un declared that 'nuclear armament has been realized.' We must strengthen our military capabilities and maintain a steadfast U.S.-South Korea alliance." He emphasized, "That is what a president should do, and it is the government's responsibility, yet the Lee Jae-myung administration continues to go backward."
Jang also criticized the consolidation of military academies, calling it a de facto declaration of abandoning South Korea's national defense. He remarked that the nominee for Minister of National Defense reportedly agrees with the statement, 'There would be no problem even if we recover operational control tomorrow.' He expressed concern over vague responses regarding our main adversary, stating, "They seem to have chosen someone who fits the administration's preferences, despite being a graduate of the Army Academy."
Furthermore, he stated, "President Lee continues to repeat claims of being a 'pacemaker.' He has not made a single strong statement regarding North Korea's missile launches or the pressure from the U.S. to deploy troops, and being a pacemaker is not something just anyone can do."
Jang concluded, "Peace is maintained through strength and solidarity. It is a deception to talk about peace while undermining military strength and shaking the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Protecting the people and the nation is the president's most significant duty. A president who abandons national defense is no longer a president."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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