US ambassador Goldberg meets the South Korean opposition

Video of Lee Jae-myung opposition leader meeting with US Ambassador Philip Goldberg. (2024.09.26 오전) Goldberg and Lee use interpreters so the whole video is understandable in English.

I recall Lee's meeting with the Chinese ambassador some time ago, it seemed so much friendlier. Goldberg looks stiff, forced smiles, folded arms, etc. I'm sure the leader of the Democratic Party, a majority in the National Assembly was the last person he wanted to meet, he was probably directed to do it. "Human rights, rule of law, wherever they are under threat." How can Goldberg keep a straight face saying that? The comment at the end by Lee is a dig at the US apparent lack of interest in the extraordinarily tense relations with North Korea. The threat of "accidental" conflict breaking out along the DMZ causes Lee to request "...your deeper interest in these issues." Other than mentioning the potential for nuclear proliferation to South Korea and/or Japan prompted by the North Korean threat, Lee said zero about Japan, China, Taiwan, Indo-Pacific etc. This is by design. I wonder what may have happened during the closed meeting after the short formal public meeting.

From the large anti-Yoon demonstration in Seoul today. "Anti-democratic, anti welfare of the people, anti-peace, historic pro-Japan coup d'etat Yoon government; there is no way to sit and just let this go."

Hanging by a Thread: US-led War Drills in the Korean Peninsula and the Threat of Global Nuclear War

According to Simone Chun's recent essay in Counterpunch, the provocation of North Korea is deliberate, and part of the US anti-China strategy. I listened to some other activist leaders in an OhMyNews talk show who are seeing parallels developing to events during the latter part of the Park administration. They think an editorial take lately in the Chosun Ilbo, reflects increasing conservative frustration with Yoon, who is not a politician by nature, but is solely focused on advancing his personal interests and protecting his wife and her supporters from justice. He has of course, adopted an authoritarian manner of doing things, is uncompromising and neglecting state affairs other than the anti North Korea, US pro Japan, Indo-Pacific outlook directed against China. This was their analysis of Chosun Ilbo's editorial, they didn't give a specific reference that I could look at myself. I have seen at least one recently that suggested Yoon was too detached from public sentiment and would present challenges in future elections for conservatives if he didn't change.

Although there were some impeach Yoon placards in this large demonstration, the theme of the organized labor and civic groups was, "Yoon step down!"

Simone collected a few photos over on her twitter thread of the large Yoon resign demo in Seoul today. Candlelight leadership was there, but most of bodies were from organized labor groups and civil society. Demonstrations took place in multiple South Korean cities from what I understand. I saw banners from the progressive party and justice party as well. There was a serial confrontation with police that seemed to me to have been instigated by someone lighting smoke bombs or some kind of flares in the crowd near the end of the demonstration. The senior police officers and parade staff managed the hotheads well and the trouble subsided. I'd like to see the size of this demonstration double. That will signal the end for Yoon and company.

Share
up
1 user has voted.