[photo=TexasN] Press conference held in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Congressman Brad Sherman, alongside the Korean American Public Action Committee (KAPAC) led by Choi Kwang-cheol, stated, “The Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act is not a solution to all issues on the Korean Peninsula but a first step toward legally ending the war.” He emphasized, “While the actual war ended in 1953, official peace was never achieved. Even 71 years later, we remain in a state of war legally.” 

The Korean American Public Action Committee (KAPAC), led by Chairman Kwang-chul Choi, issued a strong statement condemning Republican Congresswoman Young Kim for an op-ed she published in the political news outlet The Hill on January 6. KAPAC criticized Kim for her claims, which align closely with the rhetoric of South Korea’s far-right groups.

In her op-ed, Young Kim alleged that the forces behind the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Acting President Han Duck-soo were “groups attempting to undermine the U.S.-ROK alliance.” She further argued that “the factions leading the impeachment have consistently worked to weaken the U.S.-ROK alliance and trilateral cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. A unilateral declaration to end the war would not only worsen security on the Korean Peninsula but also endanger U.S. troops stationed in Korea.” Additionally, she criticized South Korean media, claiming they neglected to report on impeachment protests that featured demonstrators waving U.S. and Korean flags.

Amid growing concerns about the similarities between Young Kim’s claims and those of South Korea’s far-right figures, such as Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, KAPAC systematically refuted her arguments, highlighting their flaws and inaccuracies.

KAPAC challenged Young Kim’s claim that impeachment proponents sought to disrupt the U.S.-ROK alliance. They cited U.S. Representative Brad Sherman, who sponsored the “Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act.” In a December 7 congressional speech, Sherman emphasized that the foundation of the U.S.-ROK alliance is a shared commitment to democracy, noting that Yoon’s martial law declaration undermined democracy and the rule of law. Sherman identified Yoon and his collaborators as the true disruptors of the alliance.

KAPAC also referenced statements from the U.S. State Department, which praised South Korea’s resilience in upholding democracy and the rule of law following Yoon’s martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment. U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg reaffirmed that the U.S.-ROK alliance remained stable, despite political turbulence. KAPAC criticized Young Kim for disregarding the State Department’s position and instead adopting far-right narratives.

In response to Young Kim’s claim that impeachment forces weaken trilateral U.S.-ROK-Japan cooperation, KAPAC pointed to Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung’s December 23 meeting with Ambassador Goldberg. During the meeting, Lee assured Goldberg of the strength of U.S.-ROK relations and the continuation of trilateral cooperation. Goldberg reciprocated by condemning Yoon’s unprecedented and undemocratic actions.

KAPAC questioned whether Young Kim’s emphasis on “trilateral cooperation” implied support for a military alliance among the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, a contentious proposal in South Korea.

Young Kim’s assertion that a unilateral end-of-war declaration would jeopardize security and endanger U.S. troops was dismissed as parroting far-right claims. KAPAC highlighted that South Korean far-right figures, including Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, have repeated these arguments since 2021. The organization also noted that the “Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act” explicitly states it would not affect the status of U.S. troops in Korea. KAPAC criticized Young Kim for failing to acknowledge this provision, calling her arguments ignorant and distorted.

KAPAC expressed concern over the parallels between Young Kim’s statements and those of South Korea’s far-right groups. They criticized her for using a reputable platform like The Hill to promote views commonly shared in far-right Korean-American messaging groups. KAPAC also denounced her unfounded criticism of South Korean media, labeling it as a recycled far-right talking point.

KAPAC questioned Young Kim’s understanding of democracy, emphasizing that impeachment is a constitutional response to illegal actions such as martial law and rebellion. They pointed to a December 5 Realmeter poll showing overwhelming public support for impeachment (73.6%) versus opposition (24%), reinforcing the democratic legitimacy of the process.

KAPAC urged Young Kim to honor her promises to represent Korean-American voices and support democratic principles. They called on her to align with lawmakers like Brad Sherman and Andy Kim, who advocate for democracy and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

KAPAC concluded by encouraging Young Kim to learn from her colleagues and South Korea’s democratic citizens, who continue to uphold the Constitution and rule of law in the face of political challenges.