Seoul: Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok on Thursday criticized President Lee Jae Myung's remarks portraying the reduction of South Korea-U.S. military exercises as a big decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, calling it "an unprecedented moral victory." Jang, leader of the main opposition People Power Party, made the criticism at a party leadership meeting in Seoul in response to remarks Lee posted on X late Wednesday, hours after the allies announced their decision to cut short the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise on Trump's orders.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Jang stated that "President Lee posted a message on social media in the middle of the night as he was driven into a corner. It was a pitiful denial of reality." He further argued that the global community is already aware of the underlying issues influencing the current crisis, suggesting that South Korea's reluctance to join the U.S. military campaign in the Middle East, alongside delays in U.S. investment, are the real concerns.

Jang continued by asserting that even if President Lee attempted to mediate between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, both would reject his efforts. He warned of potential economic retaliation, including tariff hikes, which he claimed would negatively impact South Korea's citizens and businesses, benefiting only North Korea, China, and Russia.

The opposition leader concluded his critique by accusing President Lee of abandoning key national interests, including security, diplomacy, and the economy. Jang predicted that this perceived neglect would lead to public disillusionment with the Lee administration, ultimately resulting in its downfall.