Opposition leader blasts Lee's praise of Trump's decision to reduce Korea-US drills

Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok harshly rebuked President Lee Jae Myung's characterization of the reduction of South Korea-US military drills as a significant diplomatic achievement. The People Power Party chief made his vehement objection during a leadership meeting in Seoul, reacting to Lee's X post from the previous night, which coincided with the announcement that the allies would shorten the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise at the urging of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Lee's late-night social media statement appeared desperate, according to Jang. The opposition leader vehemently argued that the crisis' root cause was evident to all, and not the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran conflict or delays in U.S. investments. Jang specifically pointed out that President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would reject any proposal from South Korea, even if such an offer were made.