South Korean opposition and ruling parties have unanimously criticized the North Korean attack on Yeonpyeong Island this afternoon in which two residents and four soldiers were injured, while one also attacked the scale of the South Korean military response.
An Young Hwan, a spokesperson for the ruling Grand National Party stated, “We can’t help but be furious, beyond mere shock and concern.”
An went on during an urgently convened press briefing, “North Korea has to take full responsibility for the damage to the Yeonpyeong region,” adding, “The administration and military must deal with North Korea’s brutality using whatever means necessary.”
“At six this afternoon, an emergency meeting is to be held in order to consider countermeasures.”
Meanwhile, Park Sun young, the spokesperson for the minority Liberty Forward Party emphasized, “We can prevent North Korean provocations only when we have a firm will and attitude to punish them.”
Therefore, Park criticized the South’s military reaction to the North Korean artillery barrage, saying, “We were hit with 50 shells (from North Korea) and fired 30 back; can we say this conforms to battle regulations?” and went on, “measures to make the people feel at ease are desperately needed.”
Finally, in another hastily organized briefing, Cha Young, a spokesperson for the Democratic Party stated, “We are opposed to provocations and inhumane actions under any circumstances,” and went on, “We have to take every possible measure to bring peace. In particular, we hope that the most urgent measures will be taken to ensure the residents’ safety.”
