Opposition leader blasts Lee's praise of Trump's decision to reduce S. Korea-U.S. drills

Seoul, August 20 (Yonhap) -- Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok harshly rebuked President Lee Jae Myung's characterization of South Korea-U.S. military exercises reduction as a significant diplomatic triumph, terming it an "unprecedented moral victory." The criticism came during a party leadership gathering in Seoul, in reaction to remarks Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter) late Wednesday, shortly after the allies announced their decision to abbreviate the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills at the behest of U.S. President Donald Trump. Lee's midnight social media message was described by Jang as a "pitiful denial of reality."

Jang contended that the crisis's root cause is globally known and that South Korea's refusal to participate in the U.S.-led war against Iran and its delayed investment in the U.S. are the real culprits. He asserted that even President Lee's unilateral pacification efforts would elicit the same response from President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Jang further warned that economic repercussions, such as tariff increases, would ensue, adversely affecting South Korean people and businesses, while only North Korea, China, and Russia would benefit. Jang concluded by accusing President Lee of abandoning security, diplomacy, and the economy, stating that the Lee administration has deserted the people and that soon, the people will abandon the Lee administration.