South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader, Lee Jae-myung, held a press briefing on Friday to express concerns over President Yoon Suk-yeol’s suggestion that South Korea might provide arms to Ukraine. Lee emphasized the potential negative consequences, such as damage to South Korean businesses in Russia and increased military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, which could threaten South Korea's national security. Lee told local media of his intention to pursue legislation that would require the president to obtain the National Assembly’s consent before providing arms to conflict areas.

During the briefing, Lee also criticized Yoon for opposing the use of force to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, describing Yoon’s remarks as “adding fuel” to the worsening of ROK-China relations. Lee argued that intervention in the Taiwan Strait could result in future crises there affecting the Korean Peninsula and posing a threat to South Korea’s national security. He also warned of potential significant losses for South Koreans and businesses, surpassing those experienced during China’s “unofficial” sanctions imposed during the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) incident.