Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Korea urges easing of regional tensions in Venezuela crisis
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, handcuffed and his eyes covered, is seen onboard the USS Iwo Jima after capture in a surprise U.S. military operation, Saturday (local time), in this image posted on U.S. President Donald Trump's Truth Social account. Reuters-Yonhap
By Kim Hyun-bin
Gov't says will ensure safety of Koreans in region
Korea urged a de-escalation of tensions in the region surrounding Venezuela, Sunday, the day after the United States launched an attack on the country and captured longtime President Nicolas Maduro.
It emphasized "quick stabilization" and "democracy" in Venezuela, taking a prudent stance toward the situation amid controversy over the legitimacy of the U.S. operation.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Korea is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela.
"Our government urges all involved parties to make utmost efforts toward easing regional tensions. We hope for a quick stabilization of the situation via dialogue, ensuring democracy is restored and the will of the Venezuelan people is honored," it said.
The ministry added that it is also working to ensure the safety of Korean nationals in the country.
There are some 70 Koreans in the country, and no harm to them has been reported.
The statement came after the U.S. launched an attack on Venezuela early Saturday morning, capturing Maduro and bringing him and his wife to New York, where he was indicted in federal court on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine-importation conspiracy. U.S. President Donald Trump said U.S. special operations forces seized Maduro near one of his safe houses after disabling electrical systems in parts of the capital. He said Washington would assume temporary control of the country, while Venezuelan officials vowed to resist the takeover.
Korea's presidential office did not issue a separate statement or account of the events. It said on Saturday that President Lee Jae Myung ordered swift measures to protect Koreans there and to evacuate them if necessary.
Korea's response to the issue was similar to those of other allies, who mostly warned of broader regional instability.
Several European leaders urged restraint and a peaceful, democratic transition through dialogue. "We stand by the people of Venezuela and support a peaceful and democratic transition. Any solution must respect international law and the U.N. Charter," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media.
Some conservative leaders in Latin America welcomed Maduro’s removal as a step toward restoring democracy.
China and Cuba condemned the operation as a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty and international law, while Brazil, Mexico and Colombia criticized the use of force and called for respect for the U.N. Charter.
Korea's political parties had mixed responses.
The main opposition People Power Party stressed the urgency of ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in Venezuela, taking the situation as an opportunity to criticize the Lee government.
"We have to ask what the Lee administration has done to protect Koreans in Venezuela so far in this serious situation," party spokesperson Rep. Cho Yong-sul said.
"Even though a considerable time has passed since the end of the military operation, the government is not issuing an official stance because its communication with the U.S., its key ally, is not smooth," Cho said. "It showed the government's incapacity in foreign affairs and security."
Cho warned that the Lee administration should learn a lesson from Venezuela’s collapse, pointing to what he claims are unchecked concentrations of power, excessive monetary expansion and sustained pressure on political opponents and the media.
Kwon Young-kook, center, leader of Justice Party, speaks during an emergency news conference condemning what the party called a U.S. invasion of Venezuela, in front of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap
Minor liberal parties condemned the U.S. action.
Rep. Kim Joon-hyung of the Rebuilding Korea Party called the attack "a clear act of aggression that directly went against the U.N. Charter and violated international law."
He acknowledged Maduro's longtime reign damaged the country's democracy and economy but said there was no direct evidence he was in charge of drug trafficking or terrorism. "Even if the allegations are true, the U.S. has no right to invade the country and arrest the head of state," he said in a statement. "Trump said he would become a peacemaker and end wars around the world. But with this action, he went the opposite direction."
The Justice Party said in a statement that Trump declared a “military victory” but it was “not a victory but a death sentence for international law.”
It said the operation trampled on another nation’s right to self-determination in pursuit of economic hegemony and control over oil resources. The party leader, Kwon Young-kook, separately denounced the move as “imperialist madness,” accusing Washington of elevating domestic law above international law and undermining the principles of global order.