Debate at UN Audit Over Response to North Korean Landmines; Ambassador Says UNSC Response Undecided

During the parliamentary audit of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee held at the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the UN in New York on the 13th (local time), lawmakers clashed over whether the mission's response to the North Korean landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was appropriate.

Rep. Kim Gun of the ruling People Power Party intensively questioned Ambassador Chae, stating, "This issue, which occurred alongside the fortification of the inter-Korean border region, is a serious matter related to the neutralization of the Korean Armistice Agreement," and asked whether there are plans to discuss the issue in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

In response, Ambassador Chae stated, "How we will approach this is still undecided," adding, "A strategic decision by the government has not yet been made."

When asked whether he had consulted with U.S. officials, including U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, regarding the matter, he answered, "No."

He also stated that no related consultations have been conducted with other UNSC member states.

Rep. Kim rebuked this, saying, "Shouldn't you meet with ambassadors from other countries to discuss whether this is a matter that can be addressed in the Security Council and report the results back to headquarters so the government can make a judgment? How can they make a judgment if you just sit back?"

Ambassador Chae explained that raising awareness of the North Korean landmine explosion issue to the international community and urging an apology during the UN General Assembly First Committee on the 8th carried its own significance.

Criticism was also raised that the UN-level response to North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations has been insufficient since Ambassador Chae took office.

Rep. Koh Dong-jin of the People Power Party pointed out that North Korea's missile provocations continued even during the period when South Korea served as a non-permanent member and president of the Security Council following Ambassador Chae's appointment in September of last year, asking, "Is it that you tried but achieved no results, or that you did not try?"

Ambassador Chae replied, "Whenever an opportunity arises, condemnation statements against North Korea's provocations are continuously being made in the Security Council or the General Assembly."

Debates surrounding Ambassador Chae's expertise and background, given that he is not a career diplomat, continued this year following last year.

Independent Rep. Han Dong-hoon brought up Ambassador Chae's past experience as legal counsel for President Lee Jae-myung and criticized, "Has an amateur come to a position where the absolute best of the pros should be at the UN?"

Regarding the questioning of whether his personal ties with the President influenced his appointment, Ambassador Chae answered, "Since coming here, I've seen that there are many ambassadors who are not career diplomats."

When Rep. Han also raised doubts about his fluency in English communication as a diplomat, Ambassador Chae responded, "I believe I am communicating to a certain extent."

On the other hand, lawmakers from the ruling party encouraged Ambassador Chae, urging him to carry out his necessary roles with confidence.

Rep. Maeng Sung-kyu of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea asked about strategies for the goal of a "nuclear-free Korean Peninsula" and emphasized, "It would be difficult for the ambassador to act unilaterally with a personal stance. You need to play the role of conveying our position through the ambassador to the U.S. and headquarters."

He further urged, "Please perform your role with confidence so that those with concerns, including the opposition party, do not raise issues."

During this process, Ambassador Chae presented his performance records over the past year.

He noted that external activities, including meetings with UN ambassadors and Secretariat officials, totaled about 512 cases, stating, "I have diligently worked as the UN ambassador in my own way."

Rep. Park Sung-jun of the Democratic Party of Korea also emphasized the effectiveness of sanctions against North Korea and the diplomatic role for establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

He urged Ambassador Chae, "The ambassador must share the government's state governance philosophy, break through situations based on political assets, and expand diplomatic horizons. Please faithfully carry out such a role."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.