Kwon Young-se, chairperson of the People Power Party's emergency response committee, criticized on the 17th regarding the United States adding South Korea to the "Sensitive Countries and Other Designated Countries List (SCL)" by stating, "In the situation where the president has been impeached, the acting authority has also been impeached, and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, who is pro-China and anti-U.S., has taken control of state affairs, is the main reason for this."
Chairperson Kwon noted during the emergency response committee meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, "It is truly hypocritical to attack the government and ruling party for the U.S. Department of Energy designating South Korea as a sensitive country and other designated countries."
Chairperson Kwon pointed out, "North Korea has been designated as a dangerous country and a terrorist-supporting state that poses a direct threat to U.S. security. Allegations of Lee's involvement in providing money to such North Korea have been proven in court," highlighting, "This is a violation of the UN sanctions resolution against North Korea." He added, "It is designated as a sensitive country since an individual who openly expresses anti-U.S. sentiments and criticizes South Korea-U.S.-Japan military cooperation is a leading candidate for the presidency who is reportedly working with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, which received orders from North Korea."
Chairperson Kwon also stated, "I believe it won't happen, but if Lee Jae-myung were to take power, it would undermine the South Korea-U.S. alliance and result in a drastic decline in South Korea's diplomatic credibility and economic and security status," adding, "At that point, South Korea could be designated not just as a sensitive country but as a dangerous country."
Moreover, some senior opposition figures have warned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok about impeachment, stating, "If true, this is a significant act that goes beyond mere political intimidation and undermines the separation of powers."
He pointed out, "Under the current system, when the National Assembly initiates impeachment, the duty is immediately suspended, and there is no mechanism to hold accountable even if it is dismissed or rejected," adding, "If a large party like the Democratic Party, which has massive seats, emerges, they will indiscriminately abuse impeachment like an armored dragon using a dull sword."
He continued, "We must prevent the abuse of impeachment of public officials as a tool for political attacks. The issue of immediate suspension of duty upon initiation of impeachment should be re-examined," suggesting, "If there are significant flaws in the grounds for impeachment that lead to dismissal or rejection, it is also necessary to actively consider holding civil and criminal responsibility against the lawmakers and parties that forcibly led the impeachment."