'It won't be easy': DP lawmakers push back against potential Hormuz troop deployment

As the government reviews a U.S. request to deploy Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz, it faces pushback from inside its ruling party as lawmakers from the Democratic Party (DP) are speaking out against the possible deployment.

Calls are growing within the DP to seek alternatives through cooperation with the international community, including Britain and France, rather than immediately acceding to the U.S. request.

"It won't be easy," DP Rep. Song Young-gil said of the potential deployment during a YTN Radio broadcast on Wednesday. "There is even less justification for this than there was for the decision to send troops during the Iraq War [in 2003]."

Rep. Song pointed to concerns ranging from constitutional principles to the lack of international backing.

"Not only does Article 5 of our Constitution stipulate that we oppose wars of aggression, but there is also no United Nations resolution, while NATO member states and Japan are balking at the idea," Song said.

Asked whether that meant even deploying noncombat troops would be difficult, Song said, "I think we have no choice but to continue talking with the United States, hear its position and look for a third alternative, including on that issue."

Asked about the mood within the DP if the government submits a motion to the National Assembly seeking consent for a deployment, Song again said, "It won't be easy."

"Don't get too far ahead of things," Song said. "The president hasn't made up his mind yet either."

DP Rep. Kim Byung-joo, a former deputy commander of the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command, also cautioned against simply following Washington's lead.

"We should not be unilaterally dragged along by U.S. demands," Kim said on a KBS Radio broadcast on Wednesday. "We need to stand firm and look at this from the perspective of the safety of our troops, Korean nationals and merchant vessels, as well as the national interest."

Kim also warned against Korea becoming involved in the conflict.

"The war in which the United States and Israel invaded Iran is a war without justification, so we must not get drawn into it," Kim said. "We need to watch the situation and exercise the utmost caution."

On stability in the Strait of Hormuz, Kim said there would likely be a U.S.-led approach and a framework led by Britain and France after the war ends.

"If we go with the U.S.-led approach, wouldn't we end up getting dragged into the war in the Middle East?" Kim said. "We must not let that happen."

DP Rep. Kim Young-bae also opposed deploying troops but placed greater emphasis on the possibility of multilateral cooperation with other countries including Britain and France.

"I personally oppose deploying troops," Kim said in an interview with YTN Radio on Wednesday. "But because measures are needed to protect crude oil shipments, we cannot avoid considering cooperation with Britain, France and various allies that are in the Strait of Hormuz."

Kim also added that "We will need to consider a coordinated approach with other countries."

President Lee Jae Myung is currently on a state visit to France. Following his summit with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, Lee said the two countries would continue working together to swiftly restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stability in global supply chains.

DP Rep. Lee Ki-heon was the first ruling party lawmaker to publicly oppose troop deployment.

"Even if the forces are noncombat troops, their deployment would in essence clearly constitute participation in the war," Lee said on Friday.

BY JEONG JAE-HONG [[email protected]]