During Donald Trump’s initial term, the ambassador for Global Criminal Justice stated there was a concerning possibility that South Korea might shift its allegiance to China. The ambassador expressed that South Korea stands at a critical juncture where it needs to decide between the U.S. and an alliance with China and North Korea, and it’s hoped that it will lean toward the U.S.
He highlighted the significance of solid U.S.-Korea relations for regional peace. As he pointed out, South Korea has the fifth largest military globally and sits next to the second largest, thus serving as a frontline defense against any potential Chinese aggression targeting Taiwan. He warned, “If this allied pin is pulled, there will be an explosion in Northeast Asia. This could trigger World War III.”
The former ambassador remarked that the interests of the Korean populace align with those of the U.S. However, he criticized President Lee Jae Myung, labeling his administration as a “criminal gang” and characterized it as “extreme leftist,” suggesting that it’s rapidly undermining the country.
Lee succeeded President Yun Suk Yeol, who was dismissed by the parliament in December after imposing martial law, which included banning political activities and instituting government oversight of the media. This decision resulted in a significant political backlash. Lee became president in June after Yun was removed from office.
Tan mentioned in a casual manner that Lee had “stricken the path to election,” implying serious issues regarding the electoral process in Korea. He claimed that Lee’s government contradicts the desires of the populace and is detrimental to the country’s economy, as it opens avenues for further infiltration by China and North Korea.
Furthermore, Tan alleged that Lee orchestrated an unauthorized remittance of $8 million to North Korea in return for business advantages, which supposedly allowed North Korean spies entry into the country. He noted that prosecutors indicted Lee in June 2024 for this and related misconduct.
Tan asserted that Lee sent North Korean defectors “probably to their end or to concentration camps.” He also accused Lee of downplaying the dangers posed by North Korea’s radioactive threats and allowing North Korean propaganda to infiltrate South Korean media.
Under Lee’s administration, broadcasts targeting North Korea were halted in September. However, it has permitted a considerable amount of North Korean propaganda to circulate within South Korea.
Tan accused Lee of showing similar leniency towards the Chinese Communist Party, claiming he opened doors for Chinese entry while simultaneously disrupting important governmental online systems.
He argued that deeper examination reveals this isn’t just a minor oversight but looks like a calculated attempt at infiltration. According to him, trade between South Korea and China outweighs that with the U.S., and he believes that South Korea should significantly reduce its financial commitments to curb China’s influence.
Tan insisted that for that to happen, South Korea must cease funding left-wing infrastructure and NGOs and abort plans to invest over $100 billion in renewable energy equipment from China. He suggested that robust actions from the U.S. could apply necessary pressure on South Korea’s government.
He proposed sanctions related to alleged election fraud, asserting that the U.S. military’s presence needs to be enhanced, even considering a joint base on Jeju Island. This approach would necessitate a “180-degree turn” from what he termed the South Korean government’s “anti-American stance,” though he expressed hope that the conservative movement in Korea can find the resolve to take action.
According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly 90% of Koreans view the U.S. as their most crucial ally, a sentiment Tan claims to have witnessed first-hand. He recalled giving a speech in Korea that drew an unprecedented crowd, where attendees chanted “America” and called for “making America great again.”
The Daily Caller reached out to the South Korean Presidential Office for comments.
