"Korea-Mexico Trade Agreement Needed" ... Why Lee Mentioned National Security Act Controversy

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a state visit to Mexico, emphasized the need for a comprehensive trade agreement between the two countries. President Lee also brought up the past controversy over amending the National Security Act during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, sparking interpretations that his remarks targeted writer Rhyu Si-min, with whom he has recently been at odds.

Kang Min-u reports from Mexico City.

[Reporter]

At a business forum attended by numerous business leaders from South Korea and Mexico, President Lee Jae-myung highlighted the cultural affinity between the two nations.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "South Koreans, who hum 'Bésame Mucho' and 'La Cucaracha,' regularly enjoy tacos and tortillas in their daily lives. The Mexican people enjoy samgyeopsal and bulgogi, and sing along to K-pop."]

Building on this foundation, he proposed expanding cooperation across high-tech industries, supply chains, energy, and the cultural sector. He specifically emphasized that a comprehensive trade agreement is necessary so that South Korea's advanced technology can integrate more effectively with Mexico's manufacturing base and its access to the North American market.

President Lee later toured booths at the K-Expo, in which South Korean companies participated.

At a meeting with the Korean community in Mexico held yesterday (September 25), President Lee noted that while reform is always accompanied by resistance, there is another obstacle.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "They make excessive demands just to showcase their ideological purity. While being outspoken may look cool, it rarely leads to good outcomes in practice."]

He stated that during the former Roh Moo-hyun administration, the ruling and opposition parties had nearly reached an agreement to remove toxic provisions from the National Security Act, but the effort ultimately fell through, adding that a similar situation is unfolding today.

[President Lee Jae-myung: "Suddenly, someone started objecting: 'It should be repealed; where in the world do you only repeal half of it?' It sounds great on paper, doesn't it?"]

By citing the hardline stance within the ruling bloc at that time, his comments prompted speculation that they were aimed at writer Rhyu Si-min, who recently took a conflicting stance on prosecution reform.

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung will conclude their state visit to Mexico this evening local time, wrapping up with a cultural event with Mexican youth.

(Video by Jeong Sang-bo | Video Editing by Lee Seung-hee)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.