Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, published an op-ed in The Daily Caller, a prominent conservative media outlet in the United States, on Saturday, the 9th.

This marks the first time a sitting leader of a conservative party in South Korea has contributed an op-ed to this publication. The op-ed is drawing particular attention as it offers insight into the messages exchanged during his visit to the U.S. in mid-April.

Jang stated that during his U.S. visit, he engaged in "conversations that should have happened much earlier." Specifically, he sought to understand the U.S. perspective on the future direction of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Jang pointed out, "The era of strategic ambiguity is over," and stated, "There are only two choices. Stand with the free world, clearly and unconditionally, or do not stand at all." He then declared, "Our People Power Party stands with the free world unconditionally."

He went on to criticize the current administration and the Democratic Party on specific points, including the complete restoration of South Korea-China relations, respect for North Korea's regime, the prohibition of leaflet distribution to North Korea, and the reduction of joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises.

He expressed his belief that "the Trump Doctrine is to promote freedom and peace throughout the world through American strength and wisdom."

Furthermore, he highlighted that South Korea is in danger to the extent that maintaining its alliance with the United States is becoming difficult. This includes incidents of technological theft targeting South Korean companies over the past five years, illegal filming of security facilities by Chinese nationals, and delays in taking action regarding structures China is building in the West Sea.

Jang criticized the current government for showing no willingness to defend the first island chain, a responsibility South Korea should undertake, and cited a March report from the Congressional Research Service that stated the policies of the Lee Jae-myung administration are contrary to the policy direction of the Trump administration.

Moreover, Jang argued that the rule of law in South Korea is collapsing, citing points such as the increase in the number of Supreme Court justices, the introduction of a fourth level of appeal (trial petition system), and allowing the Democratic Party to prosecute judges and prosecutors whenever they wish. He specifically described the Democratic Party in this context as a "ruling socialist party."

The following is a full translation of Jang's op-ed:

My Country Has Been Uncle Sam’s Friend For Decades, And We’re In Big Trouble

By Jang Dong-hyuk

The longest-lasting alliance in history was built not just on treaties but on trust, and trust begins with listening. As one of 300 members of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, I came to Washington to hear what Americans see, what they expect, and what they believe this partnership should become.

These are conversations that should have happened much earlier.

America has kept the torch of freedom burning, not only for itself but for countries worldwide. South Korea is one of them. We know that, and we will never forget it.

Consider a simple image. New York’s subway is old, noisy, and uncomfortable, yet it still carries the weight of infrastructure built a century ago. Seoul’s subway, by contrast, is newer, quieter, cheaper, and far more spacious. That difference is no accident. It is thanks to the hard work and will of the Korean people, and it has been possible because America has shouldered South Korea’s security for 70 years.

Because of that, Korean capital, energy, and creativity could be focused on nation-building rather than national defense. The least we can do is acknowledge that frankly and clearly.

The era of strategic ambiguity is over. There are only two choices. Stand with the free world, clearly and unconditionally, or do not stand at all. Our People Power Party stands with the free world unconditionally.

The current administration has declared a complete restoration of South Korea-China relations. Seoul has stated it respects North Korea’s regime. It has prohibited the distribution of leaflets by civic groups to the North. It has signaled its intention to reduce joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises. On the 107th anniversary of the March 1st movement, a day commemorating Koreans’ resistance to foreign rule, President Lee Jae-myung publicly supported a conciliatory stance toward Pyongyang.

Sincerity is not a strategy. History has shown us time and again in no uncertain terms that appeasement, no matter its name, is still appeasement.

I believe the Trump Doctrine is to promote freedom and peace throughout the world through American strength and wisdom. I also believe that these goals can only be achieved through alliances between nations based on sovereignty, freedom, the rule of law, and responsibility.

Yet today, the Republic of Korea, one of the linchpins of such alliances, is in total crisis.

South Korea has become a nation that cannot effectively counter the espionage of Chinese Communist Party agents. Over the past five years, there have been concentrated incidents of technological theft targeting world-renowned South Korean companies like Samsung and SK.

During the same period, there have been countless incidents of Chinese nationals illegally filming South Korea’s military facilities with drones in locations such as Busan, Jeju, near the National Intelligence Service headquarters, and Osan Air Base. South Korea’s economic and national security sovereignty is being steadily eroded.

Despite warnings from the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, the Lee Jae-myung administration has delayed taking action regarding artificial structures China is building in the West Sea. The structures China is building in the West Sea have the potential to develop into military facilities similar to those in the South China Sea.

At a time like this, a capable government in South Korea would be preparing to meet its responsibilities in the Indo-Pacific region and to defend the first island chain alongside partner nations like the United States, Japan, and Australia. Yet, this government shows no such willingness.

This assessment is echoed in reports from the U.S. Congress. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) report released in March, "U.S.-South Korea Alliance: Background and Issues for Congress," notes that the foreign policy direction of the Lee Jae-myung administration is contrary to that of the Trump administration.

The first island chain signifies more than just a line on a map; it represents the boundary between a rules-based order and its alternatives. As that boundary comes under pressure, what matters is not that the boundary is important, but who will stand behind it. Our party will stand behind it. Alliances are not just about making promises; they are about building trust.

Trust is not maintained by treaties alone. It is maintained through the daily practice of transparent, accountable, and democratically governed rule of law.

Yet, the rule of law in South Korea is collapsing. On March 5th, this administration passed three bills that fundamentally weaken the judiciary.

These measures risk politicized influence by increasing the number of Supreme Court justices, introducing a four-level appellate system allowing appeals even of Supreme Court decisions, and permitting the ruling socialist party, the Democratic Party, to prosecute judges and prosecutors whenever it wishes.

History does not remember those who merely held power. History remembers those who used that power wisely, transparently, and for something greater than themselves. That is the South Korea we aspire to.

That is the South Korea we seek to build.

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter, U.S. NNP / Special Dispatch NNP info@newsandpost.com