Ruling party exploits 'security populism'

By Kim Hyo-jin

The ruling Saenuri Party lawmakers are pouring out their hawkish rhetoric against North Korea amid growing tensions between on the Korean Peninsula.

While some raised voice for Seoul’s nuclear armament as a response to the Pyongyang’s latest military provocations, others argued that the government should directly target its leader Kim Jong-un. On Jan. 6, the repressive state conducted its fourth nuclear test, followed by a long-range rocket launch that many regard as a cover for a ballistic missile test.

Observers view that a series of remarks are part of their campaign strategy to win more votes in the upcoming general election scheduled for April 13, with security issue sweeping the nation at this point.

Rep. Roh Chul-rae, vice policymaker of the Saenuri Party claimed that the country should pursue nuclear armament, saying Seoul need better strategy against the North.

“We need to have strong means to stop the North and guarantee our security,” he said during a party meeting. Rep. Won Yoo-chul, party’s floor leader agreed, saying “It is time for us to hold a gun.”

Ha Tae-keung, another Saenuri lawmaker, went further, saying Friday that the government should announce that it will get rid of Kim during the remaining term of President Park Geun-hye.

Likening Kim to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein or the Islamic State, Ha urged the international community to act together in taking the young leader down.

“It could be easier than economic sanctions,” he said in a radio interview.

Critics say the lawmakers are presenting populist policies amid rising uneasiness about security on the peninsula.

“Nuclear armament is not a realistic view,” Kim Yong-hyun, a professor of North Korean Studies at Dongguk University said. “When South Korea is under the U.S. nuclear umbrella, its attempt to develop its own clear equals its move to break the bilateral ties.”