President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a press conference at the Blue House guesthouse in central Seoul, on Sept.18.JOINT PRESS CORPS
Any form of troop deployment to partake or intervene in war will not be made to the Strait of Hormuz, President Lee Jae Myung announced Friday.
“There will be no deployment of troops or military assets that involves us in or draws us into wars,” Lee said at a press conference at the Blue House guesthouse. “We have upheld that principle so far, and it will remain unchanged.”
Reports that the government was considering a deployment to the Strait of Hormuz at the request of the United States have sparked debate within the ruling bloc.
Some have argued that a deployment may be unavoidable in light of Korea’s national interests, especially considering the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the United States.
Others, however, have warned that a deployment could be seen as Korea effectively joining the war against Iran.
Critics have also questioned whether there is sufficient justification or practical benefit for such a deployment.
Lee acknowledged concerns that a deployment could amount to Korea “taking part in, intervening in or supporting the war,” or could place Korean combat troops under foreign military command and put Korean service members in danger.
Protesters opposing Korea's possible deployment to Iran march in central Seoul, on Sept. 12.NEWS1
“It is clear that, like other countries, we must at least take the minimum steps necessary to protect our merchant vessels, oil shipping routes and the lives and safety of our citizens,” Lee said. “The [Korean navy’s] Cheonghae Unit is already deployed to guard against and respond to threats to shipping routes and the safety of our citizens, including piracy.”
The president emphasized that while “it is true” that the Blue House is considering and carefully weighing ways to strengthen those efforts, it is "absolutely clear" that Korea will not send troops to take part in the war.
"Korea will continue to uphold the principle of neither participating in nor intervening in the war," Lee said.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
