Next week marks the inauguration of South Korea’s new president Yoon Suk-yeol. A major North Korean propaganda outlet has already criticized Yoon, describing the conservative leader as “pro-United States.”
Reuters reports that a major North Korean propaganda outlet, Uriminzokkiri, has criticized Yoon, who has previously pledged to take a tougher approach to North Korea and its weapons tests. The outlet described conservative Yoon as “pro-United States” and “confrontational.” Yoon will be sworn into office on May 10 after winning the presidential elections back in March.
“Yoon Suk-yeol had aroused shock with such preposterous remarks as ‘preemptive strike’ and ‘main enemy’ and stirred up confrontational madness trumpeting a ‘stronger South Korea-US alliance,’” said the site, referring to Yoon’s previous comments, voicing his support for a pre-emptive strike on North Korea should there be signs of a potential attack, describing North Korea as a “main enemy.”
Yoon’s liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, shunned Yoon’s remarks on North Korea. Moon sought to improve relations with Pyongyang during his presidency.
“There’s nothing strange for him to nominate pro-US toadies seeking confrontation with the same people,” the site said, referring to Yoon’s nominations for the posts of foreign, defense, and unification ministers. The official North Korean state media has yet to comment on Yoon getting elected as the new president.
This also follows North Korea’s latest weapons test, its 14th weapons test this year. Pyongyang also tested an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile back in March. South Korean authorities said the missile exploded mid-air after liftoff. While state media did not mention the test, it is believed that another successful weapons test took place days later.
Yoon is also set to meet US President Joe Biden when he visits South Korea this month, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Thursday. Biden will speak with Yoon as well as Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his stop in Japan after visiting Seoul.
The US leader is also set to discuss holding Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine during his trip when he speaks with leaders of the Quad alliance, which includes the US, Japan, India, and Australia.