Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea presidential candidate, said on the 26th regarding North Korea policy, “I will work to ensure that the human rights of North Korean residents can be substantively improved.” He also mentioned plans to restore communication channels such as the military hotline between North and South Korea, and to promote dialogue and cooperation between the two Koreas.
On this day, Lee Jae-myung announced his pledges regarding diplomacy, security, and trade on Facebook, stating, “I will pursue a Korean Peninsula that coexists through tension reduction and non-nuclear peace.” He added, “I will closely cooperate with our ally, the United States, to achieve substantial progress on the Korean Peninsula’s peace and the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, and will seek a multi-layered cooperation framework with the international community.”
Lee Jae-myung noted that to revitalize the economy and stabilize people's livelihoods, the ‘Korea risk,’ which stems from ongoing tensions between the two Koreas, must be addressed. He stated, “I will promote the restoration of communication channels between North and South Korea, including the military hotline, to mutually cease tension-inducing activities and manage the situation steadily.”
Additionally, he stated he would promote exchange and cooperation between the two Koreas that the people resonate with, and humanitarian aid and institutional improvements for separated families, abductees, former Korean War prisoners, and North Korean defectors. He remarked, “North Korea policy should not become a political tool. I will focus only on peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula and create it with the people through social dialogue.”
◇“Diplomacy centered on national interests based on the Korea-U.S. alliance"
In the field of diplomacy, he proposed a ‘national interests-centered practical diplomacy’ approach. Lee Jae-myung said, “My practical diplomacy is based on a solid Korea-U.S. alliance,” adding, “I will pursue future-oriented, national interests-centered practical diplomacy.” He also mentioned, “I will restore the trust that was damaged during the illegal martial law in the Korea-U.S. alliance and develop it into a future-oriented comprehensive strategic alliance.”
He referred to Japan as an ‘important cooperation partner,’ stating, “On the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Japan, we will address historical and territorial issues in principle, while responding proactively in social, cultural, and economic areas. I will lay the foundation for a consistent and solid Korea-Japan relationship.”
Regarding China, he described it as ‘an important trading partner that also influences security on the Korean Peninsula,’ saying, “I will manage the Korea-China relationship, which reached its worst state under the previous government, in a stable manner.” He also mentioned that in relation to Korea-Russia relations, “I will address it from a national interests-first perspective, contribute to rebuilding Ukraine, and pursue practical diplomacy for the security of the Korean Peninsula and our corporations.”
◇Strengthening civilian control over the military, increasing duty pay for officers to ‘public servant level’
Lee Jae-myung stated, “I will restore the stature of the national military that was damaged by the emergency martial law of December 3,” outlining plans for ▲strengthening civilian control ▲improving military personnel systems ▲a choice system for ‘conscripts’ and ‘technology-intensive combat non-commissioned officers’ ▲raising officer duty pay to public servant levels ▲connecting basic officer rent policies with financial support.
Civilian control refers to a system that grants the decision-making authority regarding the nation's military and defense policies to civilians rather than professional military personnel. In this regard, Lee Jae-myung mentioned that he would also consider appointing a civilian rather than a military officer as the Minister of Defense.