Seoul: Major presidential candidates in South Korea have underscored the need to strengthen deterrence capabilities against North Korea by leveraging a strong South Korea-U.S. alliance, while proposing varied approaches to inter-Korean relations as part of their campaign pledges for the upcoming June 3 election.
According to Yonhap News Agency, with only three weeks left before the crucial vote, candidates revealed their top 10 election pledges on Monday, focusing on defense and security strategies amidst North Korea's increasing military ties with Russia and potential shifts in the role of U.S. Forces Korea. The two leading candidates, Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party (DP) and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), both emphasized the importance of fortifying deterrence capabilities against North Korean threats backed by the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Lee Jae-myung of the DP committed to enhancing South Korea's missile capabilities through the advancement of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system and advocated for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) to Seoul within the alliance framework. Conversely, Kim Moon-soo pledged to secure a near-permanent deployment of U.S. strategic assets and enhance "conventional-nuclear integration" training, enabling South Korea to support U.S. nuclear operations during crises. He also proposed strengthening South Korea's nuclear capabilities by acquiring uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing technologies for peaceful purposes, similar to Japan, and constructing a domestic nuclear-powered submarine.
The candidates' approaches to North Korea differed significantly. Lee Jae-myung called for a phased reduction of North Korea's nuclear threats by easing military tensions and fostering trust on the Korean Peninsula. In a Facebook post on May 2, Lee promised to revive a suspended inter-Korean military tension reduction pact and pursue mutual suspension of provocative activities like loudspeaker broadcasts and leafleting campaigns. Additionally, Lee proposed revitalizing humanitarian cooperation and exchanges, such as family reunions, whereas Kim Moon-soo did not address inter-Korean relations in his manifesto.
In terms of foreign affairs, Lee Jae-myung committed to engaging in global issues and enhancing trade cooperation to secure stable supply chains of essential materials and minerals, while also combating technology leaks and illegal fishing. Both candidates presented divergent views on military reform, a topic under scrutiny due to the involvement of officials in a failed martial law attempt during former President Yoon Sul Yeol's term. Lee proposed transforming the military to serve the people by appointing civilians to key defense roles and reforming defense intelligence agencies. Jin Sung-joon, chief policymaker of the DP election committee, announced in a press conference that detailed reform plans would be forthcoming. In contrast, Kim Moon-soo aimed to improve working conditions for military personnel.
Additionally, New Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok suggested abolishing the unification ministry responsible for inter-Korean affairs and integrating it with the foreign ministry.