A proposal to include President Trump in the list of candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize by a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has sparked a fierce debate between the two opposition parties in South Korea.

South Korea’s opposition party shocked everyone when it nominated Mr. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize

Mr. Trump unexpectedly received a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize from South Korea – Photo: AFP

The Korea Times newspaper reported on February 4 that a debate had broken out between the two opposition parties in South Korea, after a proposal to consider US President Donald Trump as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize by a lawmaker of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).

Controversial proposal
Specifically, Mr. Jo Seoung Lae, a senior spokesman of the DPK, said that lawmaker Park Sun Won of the party had proposed Mr. Trump for the list of candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize, because of his role in promoting dialogue between the US and North Korea under former President Moon Jae In.

“The proposal was sent to the Norwegian Nobel Committee on January 30. Party leader Lee Jae Myung and senior lawmaker Kim Min Seok were informed of this,” Jo said.

Jo’s confirmation came after lawmaker Park was seen discussing with Kim Min Seok about a notebook containing the content of the proposal to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the US president.

According to a photo taken on February 4, Park’s notebook listed the steps to carry out this intention, including: “Nomination letter for Mr. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize – submitted and confirmed by the Norwegian Nobel Committee – notification (temporarily not public) (will report to the White House)”.

South Korea’s opposition party shocked by nominating Trump for Nobel Peace Prize – Photo 2.
Mr. Park (center) talks with party leader Park Jae Myung (right) and lawmaker Kim Min Seok at the National Assembly on February 3. In Mr. Park’s hand is a notebook with information about the proposal to put President Trump on the list of candidates for the Nobel Peace Prize – Photo: YONHAP

“I especially appreciate Mr. Trump’s efforts to contribute to world peace and stability through his efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, denuclearization and strengthening the US-ROK alliance during his first term as president,” Mr. Park affirmed in a press release.

Lawmaker Park also argued that the proposal is completely in line with the ideals of the Nobel Peace Prize, as during his inauguration as the 47th US president on January 20, Mr. Trump emphasized the restoration of relations with North Korea and raised international expectations for the denuclearization process on the peninsula.

Strong reaction
However, this proposal has faced a wave of fierce criticism as many people question its legitimacy, especially when placed in the context of the White House owner’s discriminatory policies, as well as controversial statements targeting illegal immigrants and minorities.

In addition, Mr. Trump’s recent decision to mobilize military forces to control the US border has also raised concerns, as about 110,000 South Koreans are at risk of deportation under his new administration.

South Korea’s opposition party shocked when it nominated Mr. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize – Photo

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“It is very important for the global economy to be peaceful at this time, but Mr. Trump has continuously caused conflicts with his tariff policy, border wall construction and immigration deportation.

It is hard to believe that our party would nominate him for the Nobel Prize, especially when Koreans are also facing the risk of deportation,” a DPK lawmaker said.

In response to this move by the opposition party, the People’s Power Party (PPP) also criticized the proposal, calling it an act of “shameful flattery” aimed at creating a political advantage for DPK leader Lee Jae Myung in the future presidential election.

“DPK lawmaker Park Sun Won’s nomination of Mr. Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize is a 180-degree change from the party’s previous stance on the US, making the public skeptical about its true stance,” a senior PPP spokesman said.

However, senior DPK spokesman Jo Seoung Lae still emphasized the party’s position: “Views may differ, but since Congressman Park made a proposal based on certain criteria, it seems the nomination process is complete.”