Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok delivers a speech on behalf of his party during the third plenary session of the 439th regular session of the National Assembly in Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap) Security Autonomy: Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said Seoul should build stronger independent defense capabilities as US-North Korea diplomacy may reshape deterrence.Freeze-First Scenario: He raised the prospect of talks starting with a nuclear freeze before a longer-term settlement.US Reliance Limits: Kim said South Korea can no longer depend solely on Washington as US security policy grows more transactional.Two-State Option: He suggested parts of Pyongyang’s “two hostile states” approach could be explored for peaceful coexistence.Strategic Balance: Kim called for a long-term strategy on US-China rivalry and pragmatic management of ties with Japan.Domestic Reform: He also pushed constitutional revision, police reform, housing measures and livelihood-focused policies.Bipartisan Outreach: Kim urged broader cooperation with the opposition on constitutional, housing and youth issues.
mkjung@heraldcorp.com
