South Korean opposition to block any military intelligence sharing deal with Japan

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Defence Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun emphasised in a press briefing the same day that “priority has been put on the importance of national security” in seeking the agreement with Japan to better cope with North Korea’s military threats.

South Korean media has reported that the two countries plan to initial the agreement as officials meet for a third round of working-level talks on Monday in Tokyo.

Woo Sang-ho, floor leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, said “procedures will begin to dismiss or impeach the defence minister if the agreement is initialed today.”

The opposition holds a majority in South Korea’s National Assembly.

At a meeting of senior party officials, he also said, “I make it clear that any Cabinet minister should never be tolerated if the minister tries to push for a policy that is being sought unilaterally and also runs contrary to the popular sentiment.”

At the Defence Ministry briefing, Moon was bombarded by questions from local journalists, who criticised the government’s move to sign the agreement with Japan as being too hasty and sought without gaining a sufficient consensus from the people.