Is the Opposition Misusing National Heroes? A Deep Dive into Political Tensions in South Korea

Baek Seung-ae, the Democratic Party’s floor spokesperson, urged the People Power Party to stop irresponsibly exploiting the noble sacrifices of the Cheonan victims for political gain.

In a statement on the 28th, Baek said that with local elections approaching, the People Power Party is once again using the sacrifices of national defense heroes for cynical \”security politics.\”

When the People Power Party unleashed criticism over President Lee Jae-myung’s remark the day before — made in response to families of the ROKS Cheonan victims who had demanded an apology from North Korea, \”Would they apologize just because we ask?\” — Baek pushed back, calling the backlash an excessive political assault.

Baek maintained that the president’s comment did not reject the families’ demand for an apology. Rather, he said, the president outlined a sober, pragmatic consideration of how to hold North Korea accountable for its provocations, manage tensions on the Korean Peninsula, and bring about tangible change.

He defended the president, saying Lee remains unwavering in his commitment to South Korea’s security and was emphasizing effective, practical measures over an emotional response.

Baek pointed out that the People Power Party has distorted the intent of the remarks and mounted an excessive political offensive, even invoking language like \”dagger\” and \”declaration of surrender.\” He said such attacks only deepen the wounds of the bereaved families.

He added that the president has shown sincere respect for the fallen — pledging to improve joint burial arrangements for unmarried soldiers killed in the line of duty — and that dismissing these gestures as a \”photo-op\” is an affront to the nation’s heroes.

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