Lippert at center of partisan war
President Park Geun-hye talks with U.S. Ambassador Mark Lippert who is recovering from a knife attack by an extremist last week, at Yonsei University’s Severance Hospital in Seoul, Monday. Park visited the U.S. envoy shortly after she returned to Seoul from trips to four Gulf Cooperation Council countries. / Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
The ruling Saenuri Party is capitalizing on the recent assault on U.S. Ambassador to Korea Mark Lippert to accuse its opposition rival of sympathizing with North Korea.
The Saenuri Party has been critical of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) for “being soft” on the reclusive state and its supporters in South Korea.
And it is holding the NPAD responsible for the assault, in which a pro-Pyongyang activist, Kim Ki-jong, slashed the U.S. envoy’s face and wrist on March 5 during a lecture meeting in Seoul.
The NPAD has fired back, claiming its conservative rival is trying to revive McCarthyism in 21st-century Korea in its attempt to heighten public fear of progressive-minded politics.
The conservative Saenuri Party claims the NPAD has harbored those who support pro-North Korean ideology and pledge allegiance to three generations of North Korean leaders — Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and now Kim Jong-un.
For instance, Kim Ki-jong visited North Korea seven times since 1999, and once tried to erect a memorial altar in Seoul for the late Kim Jong-il after his death in 2011, according to police.
They said the suspect also praised the late Kim Il-sung as the greatest leader of the 20th century.
Comparing pro-North ideological doctrine to a virus, the Saenuri Party has called the NPAD “the host” of such a virus. It has also asked for the “eradication of those who are supportive of the Pyongyang regime” regardless of possible opposition from any political parties.
“I believe the NPAD has an explanation to make over the case,” Saenuri Party spokesman Park Dae-chul said Sunday.
He stated that the suspect had been an acquaintance of some NPAD lawmakers.
“The suspect would not have been able to work actively as a civic activist unless he had ties with the opposition lawmakers.
“It’s time for the NPAD to ponder and show remorse for nurturing pro-North Korean groups.”
Other Saenuri Party members echoed a similar view, Monday.
“The law enforcement authorities should come up with strong measures against pro-North Korean groups,” said Rep. Suh Chung-won, a member of the party’s Supreme Council.
Rep. Lee No-keun said, “I believe the NPAD lawmakers are trying to cover up something in the wake of the assault.”
He cited that the NPAD repeatedly has stressed the knife-wielding attack against Lippert was an “isolated incident” by a radical nationalist.
Rep. Ha Tae-keung claimed, “The suspect’s blogs clearly show that NPAD lawmakers have been helping and sponsoring him.”
“The NPAD should make clear the relationship between its lawmakers and Kim Ki-jong,” Ha added.
Cheong Wa Dae and the Saenuri Party have concluded that the assault was an act of terrorism committed by a pro-North Korean group. They have called for a thorough investigation to unveil who is behind the group.
Rep. Jung Chung-rae of the NPAD retorted, saying the Saenuri Party is trying to heighten public fear by linking the case with terrorism.
“Even the U.S. government is avoiding the word ‘terrorism’ and instead opts for the word ‘attack” in its briefings on the case,” he said.
The NPAD asked for the Saenuri Party’s apology.
“It seems like the Saenuri Party is trying to politicize the assault,” the party’s spokesman Park Wan-ju said. “We demand an apology for criticizing us as if we have nurtured North Korean sympathizers.”
Rep. Joo Seung-yong, an NPAD Supreme Council member, said he is against “extremism” shown by the government and Saenuri Party.
Kim Ki-jong faces several charges, including alleged violations of the National Security Law that bans pro-North Korean activities.
“The prosecution and police have formed a large-scale joint investigation unit under the order of President Park,” Joo said.
“I don’t support extreme views shown by Kim Ki-jong. But I also oppose extremism shown by the Park administration.”