Na Kyung-won, a member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, stated on October 1 that caution is needed regarding President Donald Trump's announcement about South Korea's investment in the Alaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) development project.
During an appearance on Channel A's radio program 'Political Signal,' Na pointed out that the unilateral announcement during the negotiations with the U.S. reflects deficiencies in South Korea's negotiation team.
Earlier, on September 30, Trump announced that South Korea would invest over $50 billion in the Alaska LNG project. In response, Na emphasized the need to carefully assess the project's profitability, stating, "I believe the government shares a similar view. We must approach this strategically to avoid harming national interests."
Regarding the investment scale, she criticized it as "absurd" and stressed the importance of being sensitive to the claims made by the U.S. She noted, "We did not secure or approach the investment amount in negotiations," adding that the overall Korea-U.S. relationship is strained, which is evident beyond the responsibilities of the negotiation team.
Na remarked that Trump's announcement significantly differs from the government's report to the National Assembly, suggesting it is not unrelated to the political context between the U.S. and South Korea. She pointed out that Trump must consider the upcoming midterm elections, as Alaska's governor and senators were present at the investment announcement.
While asserting that accountability is necessary, she also stressed the importance of focusing on the future. "It is crucial to ensure that the negotiation line remains stable while protecting national interests," she advised.
Additionally, Na criticized the government for hastily trying to cover up the recent landmine explosion in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the western front. She stated, "North Korea's laying of landmines is a form of invasion and provocation," emphasizing the need for an appropriate response.
During an appearance on Channel A's radio program 'Political Signal,' Na pointed out that the unilateral announcement during the negotiations with the U.S. reflects deficiencies in South Korea's negotiation team.
Earlier, on September 30, Trump announced that South Korea would invest over $50 billion in the Alaska LNG project. In response, Na emphasized the need to carefully assess the project's profitability, stating, "I believe the government shares a similar view. We must approach this strategically to avoid harming national interests."
Regarding the investment scale, she criticized it as "absurd" and stressed the importance of being sensitive to the claims made by the U.S. She noted, "We did not secure or approach the investment amount in negotiations," adding that the overall Korea-U.S. relationship is strained, which is evident beyond the responsibilities of the negotiation team.
Na remarked that Trump's announcement significantly differs from the government's report to the National Assembly, suggesting it is not unrelated to the political context between the U.S. and South Korea. She pointed out that Trump must consider the upcoming midterm elections, as Alaska's governor and senators were present at the investment announcement.
While asserting that accountability is necessary, she also stressed the importance of focusing on the future. "It is crucial to ensure that the negotiation line remains stable while protecting national interests," she advised.
Additionally, Na criticized the government for hastily trying to cover up the recent landmine explosion in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) along the western front. She stated, "North Korea's laying of landmines is a form of invasion and provocation," emphasizing the need for an appropriate response.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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