The Democratic Party of Korea held a launch ceremony for the Northeast Asia Peace Cooperation Special Committee to address diplomatic and security policies in line with the second Trump administration. The special committee aims to strengthen diplomatic and security policies based on cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan amid the increasing collaboration between North Korea and Russia.
Chairperson Wi Seong-rak of the Northeast Asia Special Committee noted at the launch ceremony held on the 28th in the National Assembly member's office building that “the international situation surrounding our country is more complicated than ever” and said, “Amid heightened tensions resulting from extreme confrontation between the North and the South, both the South Korea-China and South Korea-U.S. relations have hit rock bottom.”
He further evaluated that “North Korea and Russia have become allies, and the cooperation between them has deepened through North Korea's dispatch of troops to Russia” and stated, “This is negatively impacting the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.”
He also pointed out the need for a 'pragmatic diplomatic and security policy' to respond to the second Trump administration. He stated, “As the Trump administration comes into power, a wave of change is sweeping in, and we are in a situation where it is difficult to cope adequately with this wave based on emergency responses and impeachment procedures.”
He emphasized that “we must strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance and advance South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation while also preparing comprehensive management plans based on integrated and coordinated strategies toward the U.S., Japan, China, and Russia.”
He stated, “I will strive to derive meaningful achievements for practical diplomatic and security policies for the denuclearization and peace of the Korean Peninsula beyond partisanship and in pursuit of national interests.”
Lee Jae-myung, the party leader, noted in a written congratulatory address that “swift responses and a delicate strategy are necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum resulting from illegal martial law from leading to a lack of diplomacy.”
He added, “The path we must take is clear. Practical diplomacy for national interests and gain is urgently needed under the solid South Korea-U.S. alliance and South Korea-U.S.-Japan security cooperation principles,” and stated, “Active efforts for peace policies are necessary to prevent further escalation of military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.”
The Northeast Asia Special Committee is expected to take the lead in shaping Lee's diplomatic and security policies, keeping in mind the possibility of an early presidential election.
Chairperson Wi, a former diplomat with experience in the Russian Embassy and as the Director of the North America Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will lead the special committee. Additionally, former UN Ambassador Cho Hyun, former National Diplomatic Academy Director Hong Hyun-ik, and former Ambassador to Croatia Seo Hyung-won are expected to serve as vice chairpersons.