President Lee Jae-myung's decision to skip the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in The Hague, Netherlands, has drawn strong criticism from the People Power Party on the 23rd. The People Power Party pointed out that this is a "clear diplomatic failure" that undermines Korea's national interests and diplomatic standing.

Members of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the People Power Party issued a statement in the National Assembly that day, criticizing the decision to skip the NATO summit, which is an important opportunity to respond to risks stemming from the Middle East, as a very wrong decision, stating, "The current government's and ruling party's response is merely practical diplomacy in name, failing to fulfill their responsibilities for national interests."

Commissioners of the People Power Party's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee are issuing a statement on the 23rd at the National Assembly's communication hall in Yeouido, Seoul, saying, "Not attending the NATO summit, which is an opportunity to respond to risks from the Middle East, is a wrong decision." /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

They noted, "This situation could shock our economy, which is already struggling with export decline and domestic recession," expressing concerns over soaring international oil prices and rising inflation due to disruptions in oil supply from the Middle East and worsening profitability of corporations.

Na Kyung-won commented, "This is a self-imposed abandonment of strategic solidarity with nations that share freedom, democracy, and the rule of law," emphasizing that it could weaken alliance trust and diminish Korea's diplomatic and security standing. She added, "What is needed now is not silence and avoidance, but active diplomacy that strategically explains our position and secures negotiation leadership."

Representative Yoon Sang-hyun said, "The President's decision to skip is very regrettable and should be reconsidered," arguing that given the potential for a meeting with President Trump, the NATO summit is a critically important opportunity that should not be missed diplomatically.

Yoon added, "In a situation where the world is watching whether the Lee Jae-myung administration will stand with the free camp or continue the pro-North Korea and pro-China approach of the Moon Jae-in administration, this meeting should serve as a litmus test for that judgment and an opportunity to dispel distrust in the President's diplomatic direction."

Representative Kim Jae-seop pointed out, "The President's excuse of focusing on 'domestic issues' and 'Middle Eastern affairs' while only being cautious of China and Russia is flimsy," adding, "It has even torn apart the already vague 'Lee Jae-myung-style ambiguity.'"

People Power Party Spokesperson Choi Soo-jin also commented that "the President's decision to skip the NATO summit is a clear diplomatic failure that undermines our national stature," criticizing, "As the world strengthens defense, economic, and technological cooperation, the President's choice of 'passing' means abandoning responsibility for national interests and diplomacy."

Spokesperson Choi pointed out, "By making an unprecedented absence with only Korea missing from the NATO and Indo-Pacific partner four countries (IP4), it amounts to a self-inflicted diplomatic isolation," adding, "Lee Jae-myung-style diplomacy, which omits national interests, security, and economic cooperation, will further isolate our country."