Seoul: The Democratic Party of Korea on Monday announced its intention to advance a bill necessitating government consent from the National Assembly prior to permitting exports of defense articles. If the Defense Industry Development and Support Act is amended as proposed by Democratic Representative Kim Byung-joo, this would require the government to seek the Assembly’s consent for such exports, granting lawmakers a 30-day period to deliberate in private before reaching a decision. Each instance of defense exports would need to undergo this procedure.
According to Yonhap News Agency, if enacted, the bill would allow the majority party’s political agendas to heavily influence defense exports and associated national security policies. Currently, the authority to approve munitions exports rests with the minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. However, the opposition party is attempting to gain the de facto final approval rights. South Korea’s defense exports are prized for their swift deliv
ery, a key factor in their selection by countries in Europe and the Middle East. The requirement for Assembly consent could delay contract signings and product deliveries.
The Democratic Party argues that the stipulated “within 30 days” timeframe would prevent any issues. However, this does not guarantee automatic approval after 30 days, and sensitive negotiations and export strategies risk exposure during this period, potentially benefiting South Korea’s competitors. Recently, South Korean munitions have become significant export industries alongside nuclear power plants, with NATO countries increasing arms orders since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.
Despite a slight decline to $14 billion last year, South Korea’s defense exports are forecasted to recover to $20 billion this year. The number of export destinations expanded from four countries in 2022 to 12 last year, with markets growing in Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America. The range of exported weapons has also broadened to i
nclude tanks, armored vehicles, self-propelled artillery, missiles, vessels, and advanced trainer jets.
The defense industry’s growth bolsters South Korea’s security, diplomacy, and national power, as ongoing purchases of improved and updated products are likely once a country begins buying South Korean defense articles. The bill reflects the Democratic Party’s political motive to hinder the Yoon Suk Yeol government’s response to North Korea-Russia cooperation. Rep. Kim defends the bill as a safeguard for national interests, arguing that Assembly control over defense exports is necessary to prevent exacerbating South Korea’s relations with countries opposing states that import its weapons. This rationale remains unconvincing.
The Democratic Party opposes supplying weapons to Ukraine, citing potential war intervention. However, the government has indicated a willingness to consider such arms supplies depending on North Korea-Russia developments. Should Russia provide North Korea with military technologies in
exchange for sending troops, this could severely threaten South Korea’s security, necessitating government action. The bill would restrict such measures.
South Korea’s contemplation of supplying weapons to Ukraine was driven by Russia’s invasion and North Korea’s troop deployment. Abandoning defense exports to avoid offending aggressor countries would leave South Korea without export markets. The bill would grant the Democratic Party control over defense items and recipient countries at their discretion, imposing an unwarranted double control on an already functioning government review and approval process.
If passed, the bill could cause significant damage to South Korea’s defense industry. The majority party’s actions are seen as a hindrance to the industry’s growth, and the bill is called to be scrapped.