Democratic Party Calls Thank-You Letter to Zelenskyy 'Treason'... Rep. Na Kyung-won Fires Back: 'Deeply Pro-North Regime'

The Democratic Party of Korea and People Power Party Lawmaker Na Kyung-won traded fierce criticisms on October 10 regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine to South Korea and Rep. Na's decision to send a thank-you letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In a written briefing today (October 10), Democratic Party spokesperson Lee Yong-woo criticized Rep. Na, stating, "While defending Ukraine for violating its non-disclosure agreement, she has falsely accused our government—which is holding Ukraine accountable—of attempting to abandon North Korean prisoners of war to certain death."

He went on to urge her to "stop irresponsible incitement that denounces even legitimate demands to protect the safety of the individuals and their families in line with international standards as 'pro-North.'"

He also said, "Is this what Lawmaker Na calls human rights, claiming to worry about the prisoners' 'lifelines' while disregarding commitments to guarantee their safety? Put an end to the hypocrisy of pushing prisoners' safety aside under the pretext of human rights."

Lawmaker Kim Byung-joo of the same party also took to Facebook to criticize Rep. Na, writing, "Sending a thank-you letter to Zelenskyy, who ungratefully insulted the Republic of Korea—just what country's lawmaker are you?"

He continued, "How is this any different from Yi Wan-yong, who sold out the nation for personal gain? Cease this act of treason immediately."


In response, Rep. Na fired back via Facebook, saying, "Just because I sent a letter of gratitude to the Ukrainian president regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war, Democratic Party lawmakers are rushing forward like a suicide squad."

She continued, "Are they truly lawmakers of the Republic of Korea, or are they officials of North Korea's Workers' Party of Korea? Why do they willingly choose to serve as mouthpieces for the North Korean regime?"

Criticizing the return of South Korean Ambassador to Ukraine Park Ki-chang following the government's response to the repatriation, Rep. Na characterized it as "diplomatic self-harm," adding, "This absurd diplomatic rift can only be explained as a show put on solely for North Korea's Kim Jong-un."

She also claimed, "It sends a servile, submissive message to Pyongyang saying, 'Rest assured, we do not welcome North Korean soldiers defecting to the Republic of Korea at all.'"

She added, "Now, which country, including Ukraine, would ever assist North Korean prisoners of war in defecting?"

Rep. Na criticized, "Ultimately, the Lee Jae-myung administration has completely succeeded in cutting off any second or third repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war at the source. An administration that neglects the lives of our compatriots just to appease North Korea's feelings is truly a stubbornly 'pro-North regime.'"

Meanwhile, People Power Party Lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo also criticized the government's response to North Korea regarding an anti-personnel landmine, presumed to have drifted down from the North, that was recently discovered on Jumun Island in Ganghwa County, Incheon.

Lawmaker Ahn wrote on Facebook, "How much longer does President Lee Jae-myung plan to remain silent in the face of North Korea turning even the waters of the Republic of Korea into a minefield?" and urged, "We must do something, whether it is broadcasts to North Korea, leaflet launches, or loudspeaker broadcasts."

In response, Democratic Party spokesperson Lee Yong-woo countered, "The leaflet scattering and loudspeaker broadcasts that Lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo insists upon are what is truly irresponsible."

He added, "It was already proven during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration that such actions only expose border-area residents to danger and suffering, without having any actual effectiveness."

(Photo: Captured from Rep. Na Kyung-won's Facebook page)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.