Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo labeled the recent incident in which U.S. immigration authorities detained a large number of Korean workers as "an intentional provocation," and raised the need for independent nuclear armament.
On the 13th, Hong wrote on Facebook, "No matter how pro-China or pro-North the current administration may be, being treated like this by an ally is an insult and a disgrace." He then said the South Korea-U.S. summit held in Aug. could be "likened to an investiture ceremony from the old dynastic era," adding, "It is a problem that even after a change of administration, the summit still appears in a subordinate format."
He also argued, "It is time to shift not only relations with the United States but also those with China to an equal footing between parties," and "Like North Korea, we should consider independent nuclear armament."
Hong's remarks are interpreted as coming in the context of securing Korea's strategic position and diplomatic autonomy amid U.S.-China tensions.