Ukrainians living in South Korea hold up Ukraine’s national flag and a painting depicting their aspirations for peace for their home country at a Catholic church in western Seoul on Feb. 26, 2022, as Russia has intensified its attack on Ukraine. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – A senior lawmaker from South Korea’s majority Democratic Party, Lee Eon-joo, introduced a resolution on Thursday urging the government to cease its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, including the provision of lethal weapons.
In a press conference at the National Assembly, Lee emphasized the constitutional duty of the South Korean government and legislature to protect citizens’ lives, safety, and property.
“The Russia-Ukraine war risks expanding into a broader international conflict,” she warned, adding that North Korea’s deployment of personnel to Russia could escalate tensions into a proxy war on the Korean Peninsula if South Korea provides arms to Ukraine.
Senior Executive Member Lee Eon-joo of the Democratic Party of Korea (Yonhap)
Lee also noted concerns raised by U.S. security officials about South Korea’s involvement, highlighting the importance of prioritizing a peaceful resolution to the conflict. “Such a decision could place our citizens in danger of war and devastate the economy,” she said.
The resolution, co-signed by 70 Democratic Party lawmakers, also advocates for increased humanitarian aid to support Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery efforts.
Public sentiment in South Korea reflects strong opposition to military aid for Ukraine. A Gallup Korea survey published in early November revealed that 64% of respondents opposed the idea, with only 28% in favor. Opposition was consistent across all regions, including conservative strongholds like Daegu and North Gyeongsang, where 63% opposed arms support.
By age group, those in their 20s were divided (46% in favor, 44% against), but all other age groups showed majority opposition. Even among South Koreans aged 70 and older, traditionally supportive of President Yoon Suk-yeol, 55% opposed military aid compared to 34% in favor.
Across political lines, opposition outweighed support: 50% of conservatives, 64% of moderates, and 81% of progressives opposed the provision of weapons.
Lee’s resolution underscores the growing divide between the government’s foreign policy direction and public opinion, as well as concerns over escalating regional tensions.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
