PPP warns against relocation of foreign, defense ministries to Sejong

The People Power Party (PPP) has vigorously protested the government's plan to relocate 44 ministries and agencies, including the foreign and defense ministries, to Sejong city by 2031. The main opposition party argues that transferring these critical departments responsible for foreign relations and national defense to Sejong could be a disastrous move that jeopardizes national security.

Rep. Joo Ho-young, a veteran lawmaker and former vice speaker of the National Assembly, expressed concerns that relocating the defense ministry without adequate security measures could effectively abandon the protection of the capital. In a press conference at the National Assembly, Joo highlighted that Korea remains a divided nation under an armistice.

He emphasized that the swift decision-making capability of wartime leadership is crucial for the nation's survival, stating that the ability to communicate effectively is what differentiates life from death in such situations. Additionally, Joo pointed out that Seoul houses embassies from 118 countries, warning that moving the foreign ministry might force these embassies to either absorb the relocation costs or relocate themselves.