William Barclay (top left) conducts a video interview on the 16th (local time). To the top right is Mr. J. [Zoom Video GIF]

Canadian Political Commentator Gives First Domestic Interview

Trump's US Prioritizes Confronting Communism; "South Korea is a Crucial Stepping Stone"

"Create Significant Stimuli and Motivations for the US and International Community to Take Notice"

"Brave Koreans, You Are Not Alone... We Too Are Striving Relentlessly"

"Infringement of Basic Rights is Rampant... The Mainstream Media's Failure to Report is a Major Problem"

"Foreigners Don't Know About the Yoon Impeachment Issue... They Focus Solely on the Crisis Leading to Martial Law"

"By Only Watching Mainstream News, You Only See the Wall in Front of You... Failing to Realize the Castle is Being Built"

"Trump Fully Recognizes the Serious Predicament Facing South Korea and its People"

Also Advised, "Sunlight is the Best Disinfectant... The Asphalt Must Continue"

"Continued Patriotic Efforts Will Lead to Community Expansion and Development... Driving Political Change"

Canadian political commentator William Barclay stated, "The nomination of former US Representative Michelle Park Steel as Ambassador to Korea is a message to prevent the overthrow of the Republic of Korea by the Chinese Communist Party through elections."

In a video interview with on the 16th, Barclay predicted, "President Donald Trump's top priority is confronting communism, so he will never tolerate China encroaching on South Korea."

Michelle Park is a 'China Hawk' Who Has Fought to 'Eradicate' Communism

He added, "The appointment to a position vacant for a considerable time immediately after the intervention in Iran is a measure to send a clear message. She is recognized for her history and track record of constantly striving to 'eradicate' communism, so she should be seen as a true 'China hawk'," he analogized.

He continued, "President Trump has started looking more directly at South Korea," pointing to the nomination of a political appointee, and emphasized its importance by saying, "The United States will not part with South Korea, and South Korea is considered one of the most crucial stepping stones in the battle between China/Xi Jinping and the US."

He further explained, "We are all working tirelessly to free South Korea and its people from bondage. Under President Trump, who is closely monitoring the situation in South Korea, the United States is making the fight against the global communist catastrophe its top priority."

Barclay stated, "The US will not allow China and Xi to expand into South Korea by collapsing networks between countries like Venezuela and Iran, and evil little international outposts like the PRC," adding, "The general sentiment is that South Korea is and will be with us, and this is the best evidence I can give you."

However, he was reticent when asked about the scope of "us." He is known to be of Jewish heritage, born in Israel, and a Canadian national.

He specifically mentioned, "The US has repeatedly emphasized that it will never tolerate actions that infringe upon fundamental human rights, such as freedom of the press and freedom of religion," and stated, "The overthrow of the Republic of Korea through elections (subversion) and the clear infiltration of the PRC must cease immediately, along with infringements on basic rights."

"US Will Not Tolerate Infringements on Basic Rights Such as Freedom of the Press and Religion"

Regarding the trend of conservative media facing significant difficulties in South Korea's left-leaning media landscape, Barclay said, "I strongly agree."

He also mentioned signs of this phenomenon being observed globally since the first Trump administration.

He stated, "For nearly a decade, the left has made futile attempts to confine all conservative ideologies under the false guise of 'fascism.' As a result, it has suppressed the rise in popularity and tarnished the reputation of all right-wing ideologies, values, and leaders."

He continued, "The left-wing media has praised the left-wing ethos that permeates most of the political and social landscape today, and they have always associated the left-wing ethos with democratic ideals and human rights," revealing his insight.

He also emphasized, "The situation in South Korea is worsening due to Lee Jae-myung's methods."

He elaborated, "This is because Lee Jae-myung attempts to manipulate laws and enact new legislation to gain more control over the judiciary, forcing his own distorted message onto all media."

He lamented, "Political dialogue has collapsed, and swift public suppression has become a stark reality. Conservatives have become enemies on the verge of eradication, and even fundamental human rights such as freedom of the press and political association are threatened."

He suggested a wise response method, using his own experience, saying, "It is one way not to pay too much attention to those who seek to eradicate the political system." He then recommended, "It is also good to participate in discussions and debates to achieve progress or create a better society, like Charlie Kirk."

He added, "If you still insist on being a light for the nation and going out, preparing to answer with data in hand would be the best advice. Solid facts and evidence will keep you standing in the darkness until you are called."

Given that this was his first interview with domestic media, the reporters focused their questions on how Barclay obtains and analyzes information. The Q&A session on this topic continued for some time in the second closed session.

He offered a compliment, noting a fan-like phenomenon among the South Korean conservative base who are enthusiastic about his posts, and when asked about the specific basis for his predictions, he implied that the posts about Lee Jae-myung losing support were not the entirety of the information he personally received, but rather a portion of the considerable information he has accumulated.

"Conservatives Perceive Themselves as Enemies on the Verge of Eradication"... Characteristics of the Left

With extensive experience in data analysis based on his research background, he revealed his method of accessing and understanding the internal dynamics of South Korea: "I regularly converse with South Korean politicians across the spectrum." This suggests he does not confine himself to partisan considerations in obtaining information. He explained, "Therefore, I have a perspective that allows me to understand issues more closely, and it is my business to investigate the discussions happening on the ground in South Korea."

Regarding this, he emphasized, "This is not all the information I have personally received from South Korean politicians or political actors. The information I receive directly from them is not skewed poll data."

He stated, "These will be my own predictions that I can tell you a little about. I cannot reveal everything during this interview, as these are ongoing political events and decisions."

He also trenchantly pointed out that one of the biggest problems in the world today arises from the "newsroom."

Barclay stated, "One of the biggest problems currently is that many people on the ground in South Korea are facing actual human rights violations and challenges to justice, but the mainstream South Korean media is not reporting on them digitally. Because of this, they are effectively treated as if they don't exist and are not considered valid evidence abroad," citing the December 3rd emergency martial law as an example.

He singled out, "The impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol is one of those instances. Abroad, it is seen as a crisis caused by martial law, but when discussing it with Koreans, you hear a completely different story. My fight is the process of obtaining this evidence," he said.

He added, "Foreigners do not know well what is happening to President Yoon. They do not know how severely the situation in South Korea has deteriorated. I myself did not know until I went to Seoul and met Lee Jae-myung in person and experienced his arrogance. It was only through direct investigation that my eyes were opened."

Canadian political commentator William Barclay is interviewed by The US-Korea Times on the 16th.

"The Biggest Problem is the Media... After Meeting Lee, My Eyes Were Opened to His Arrogance"

Among the conservative base, one can often hear laments wishing South Korea would become the 51st state of the US. This sentiment is seen as a testament to the extreme level of dictatorship under the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Barclay criticized, "Little Lee (Lee Jae-myung) has consistently made public anti-American remarks, illegally searched the Osan Air Base, and has now gone further to openly support not only China but also terrorist states like Iran." He expressed his agreement, saying, "It might even be a good idea to establish a temporary protectorate (like becoming the 51st state)."

He continued, "That is hope, and everyone sees it that way. We need to create significant international stimuli and motivations for action, just as much as the desire to become the 51st state," he also said.

He then continued with remarks hinting at a form of US intervention, stating, "I don't think pointing out Lee Jae-myung's public anti-American behavior is a mistake. In that regard, the nomination of Michelle Park Steel as Ambassador to the US immediately after Lee Jae-myung clearly declared himself an ally of Iran and China was not a coincidence." He interpreted the Trump administration's nomination of an ambassador to an empty post at such a critical time as a form of US intervention.

He also responded to a question about whether the act of patriotic citizens and conservative groups submitting various reports and complaints to the White House or the CIA could lead to actual US intervention.

He stated, "I cannot say 'don't do it'," but emphasized, "I want to reiterate that the Trump administration is fully aware of the serious predicament facing South Korea and its people."

"US Ambassador Nominated as Intervention in Iran Ends"... Nuance of US Intervention

Furthermore, he said, "President Trump himself said it looks like a purge or a revolution is happening in South Korea. After saying this, he either changed his mind to think Lee Jae-myung is a 'good person' after meeting him, or he is someone who will not forget those words." He continued, "The lifespan of a nation is very long and far exceeds the scope or duration of human life, so people often lack the vision to see how fast or slow things are happening. In other words, it's like only seeing the wall in front of you and failing to realize that a castle is being built."

He added, "The average person tends to evaluate political change based on the news, but the news is not a good indicator and is at best merely an echo. If patriotic citizens continue their current efforts, communities will form and expand, and political structures and mechanisms will inevitably evolve as viable alternatives to mainstream channels. This can then be used to achieve genuine political change," he advised.

Barclay urged those who have lost their voice and hope to continue their current activities to speak the truth. He advised, "You must continue what you are doing now. Think of 'sunlight as the best disinfectant'."

He continued, "Brave Korean patriots fighting their battles are not alone, so you must create significant stimuli and motivations for the US and the international community to take notice," and ordered a sequential strategy for confronting dictatorship.

He emphasized, "Many (Koreans) have completely lost hope and reached out to me in despair, so I want to speak as clearly as possible. In your brave fight, you are not alone, and you will not be alone in the future."

When asked about concerns that oppression will increase further with the Lee Jae-myung administration's legislative push, despite protests in the asphalt under storms and scorching sun, he said, "It will certainly get tougher, but I want to tell you not to give up. Giving up is the last resort, and you are not alone." He once again delivered a message of hope.

By Heo Gyeom