Hinting a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy stance, South Korea’s president insinuated at possibly supplying weapons to Kyiv.
South Korea’s recent consideration of providing weapons to Ukraine signals a shift in its traditionally restrained foreign policy. Supporting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, this development comes amid reports that North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to Russia. Especially for residents like Yang Seung-ji, who fear that increasing tensions could disrupt daily life or lead to direct confrontation, this involvement is heightening South Koreans’ fears about possible regional escalations.
Potentially reinforcing Russian forces in Ukraine, the U.S. Department of Defense recently asserted that around 10,000 North Korean troops are training in Russia. Rising fears that Russia might provide nuclear technology to North Korea in return, which could destabilize security on the Korean Peninsula, this alliance has alarmed South Korea. North Korea’s test of a new intercontinental ballistic missile increases these concerns.
If North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine deepens, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has signaled a willingness to support Ukraine with military aid. Direct military assistance would mark a significant departure for South Korea to limit its support for humanitarian aid and non-lethal supplies. Currently restricting lethal aid to active conflict zones, however, this move would necessarily change to South Korea’s Foreign Trade Act.
Maintaining restricted military engagements overseas, historically, South Korea has concentrated on economic growth and soft power. A decision largely motivated by a need for U.S., its most important foreign military involvement was during the Vietnam War economic support. Many South Koreans, given the nation’s economic challenges and a preference for its stability, especially younger generations, are wary of involvement in Ukraine, experts like Korea University’s Son Key-young advised.
Provided its alignment with international collaboration to avoid long-term diplomatic repercussions, some South Koreans support limited involvement in Ukraine. There’s a belief that South Korea should make independent decisions to ensure its sovereignty in the region, for others, like Kim Shin-gyu. South Koreans are raspingly weighing the costs of a proactive stance in international conflicts as North Korea’s actions are provoking regional insecurity.
Source: (Al Jazeera)