SANTIAGO (Yonhap News) ― South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said Thursday that toeing North Korea’s lines is “behind the times” and most South Koreans know better than to believe pro-Pyongyang rhetoric.

Lee made the remark during a meeting with South Korean residents in Chile, assuring them not to worry about the so-called “pro-North Korea” forces in their homeland.

Criticism of pro-North Korean sympathizers has risen sharply in South Korea in recent months after some newly elected lawmakers of a minor opposition party displayed strong leanings to Pyongyang and a reluctance to criticize the autocratic regime.

“Hearing news from your homeland, you must have been very much concerned as it was said pro-North Korea forces have emerged among us,” Lee said. “Such things are all behind the times, and therefore, I firmly believe that they won’t receive support from the people.”