What did Rep. Song Young-gil say about US intelligence capabilities?

Song Young-gil said U.S. intelligence assets and judgment are not omniscient or omnipotent. He argued that South Korea should not rely exclusively on U.S. assessments and capabilities.

Why did Song Young-gil call for stronger South Korean intelligence capabilities?

Song said the Korea-U.S. alliance is important, but the two countries’ national interests are not always aligned. He argued that South Korea’s military needs self-reliant intelligence assets and judgment capabilities to avoid being embroiled in war.

When and where did Song Young-gil make his remarks on intelligence cooperation?

Song made the remarks Monday while attending a parliamentary audit at the military headquarters in Gyeryong, located about 145 kilometers south of Seoul. The comments came amid concerns over friction in Seoul-Washington intelligence cooperation.

Ruling party lawmaker says US intelligence 'not omniscient'

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Summary

Rep. Song Young-gil said Monday at a parliamentary audit in Gyeryong that U.S. intelligence capabilities are not infallible and urged Seoul to strengthen its own intelligence capacity. The Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker said the Korea-U.S. alliance remains important but national interests are not always aligned. He called for self-reliant intelligence assets and judgment capabilities to help prevent South Korea from being drawn into war.

Key Facts

Song Young-gil serves as President Lee Jae Myung’s special adviser for peace diplomacy and was appointed to the position on Oct. 1.
The audit session was held at the military headquarters in Gyeryong, about 145 kilometers south of Seoul.
Song said intelligence assets are important factors that determine a country’s fate.
His remarks came amid concerns about frictions in bilateral intelligence cooperation and criticism from the opposition People Power Party over South Korea’s readiness posture.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 19, 2026 8:24 pm KST

Rep. Song Young-gil of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea speaks at a parliamentary audit held at the military headquarters in Gyeryong, Monday. Yonhap

A ruling party lawmaker, who also serves as President Lee Jae Myung's special adviser for peace diplomacy, said Monday that U.S. intelligence capabilities are "not omniscient," as he stressed the need for Seoul to strengthen its own intelligence capacity.

Rep. Song Young-gil of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) made the remarks at a parliamentary audit amid concerns over frictions in bilateral intelligence cooperation between Seoul and Washington.

"The United States' intelligence assets and judgment are not omniscient nor omnipotent," Song said as he attended an audit session held at the military headquarters in Gyeryong, some 145 kilometers south of Seoul.

"Intelligence assets are important factors that determine a country's fate," he stressed.

Against such a backdrop, Song called for strengthening Seoul's own intelligence capabilities, noting that while the Korea-U.S. alliance is important, their national interests are not always aligned.

"Our military should be equipped with self-reliant intelligence assets and judgment capabilities in order not to be embroiled in a war," he added.

Song's remarks appeared to be aimed at countering criticism from the main opposition People Power Party, which claimed Korea's readiness posture has been affected by the intelligence cooperation concerns.

The DPK lawmaker was appointed as Lee's special adviser for peace diplomacy Oct. 1.

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