Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's appeal to South Korea is becoming increasingly urgent. He warned that up to 50,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to Russian territory and expressed concerns that North Korea is supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, which are being advanced through real combat experience. He reiterated his call for South Korea to support its air defense systems, stating that this trend poses a growing security risk to regional countries, including South Korea and Japan. On August 8, President Zelensky acknowledged South Korea's legal constraints but expressed hope for increased air defense support.
Zelensky's plea is not without merit. Moreover, it is poignant to see a leader of a war-torn nation, exhausted after more than four and a half years of conflict due to Russian aggression, reaching out repeatedly to allies. However, national security policies must be based on cold calculations rather than emotions. If South Korea were to provide advanced air defense weapons like the Patriot to Ukraine, the costs involved would be significant.
Furthermore, during a meeting with ambassadors in Kyiv last week, President Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with Japan's relationship, stating it has not met expectations. He had high hopes for political changes in Japan but noted that actual cooperation has fallen short, directing his team to devise ways to improve relations. Despite Japan's support of over $20 billion to Ukraine, Zelensky's comments reflect not only disappointment with Japan but also a broader diplomatic campaign for air defense and defense cooperation with Asian allies. His disappointment with Japan and his SOS to South Korea are part of the same trend.
However, the foremost consideration must be South Korea's own air defense capabilities. Zelensky's remarks about North Korea's missile capabilities improving through cooperation with Russia underscore the need for South Korea to prioritize its air defense network. The ongoing impact of the prolonged Iran conflict has already led to shortages of air defense systems like the Patriot, even for the United States. Therefore, any related decisions must be made cautiously, especially when the reliability of our air defense forces is uncertain. In fact, Seth Jones, director of the Defense and Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), pointed out on August 10 that U.S. military bases and infrastructure across the Pacific, from Japan and the Philippines to Guam and South Korea, are highly vulnerable to missile and drone attacks from China and North Korea.
Additionally, the potential costs of deteriorating relations with Russia must be considered. Russia has consistently indicated that support for 'lethal weapons to Ukraine' is a red line, and providing air defense weapons could significantly worsen relations. Russia is also a country with which we may need to restore relations post-conflict. Moreover, Russia has already signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with North Korea, promising military support in case of emergencies, so escalating tensions with Russia could lead to more overt military and technological support for North Korea. It is essential to carefully assess whether it is necessary to exacerbate conflicts with Russia, which could provide justification for strengthening military cooperation with North Korea.
Of course, the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia and the transfer of technology pose a tangible threat to security on the Korean Peninsula, and cooperation with Ukraine is necessary. However, the response should not be direct military support to Ukraine but rather through enhanced information sharing, joint international responses to North Korea-Russia military cooperation, and strengthening surveillance and deterrence against North Korea. At the same time, communication with Russia should continue to express concerns about its close ties with North Korea.
Ultimately, despite the tragic situation in Ukraine, we cannot compromise our own defense for the sake of another country. The security of the Korean Peninsula must be safeguarded by ourselves, and this calculation should prioritize our national interests above all appeals. Caution is not cowardice; it is the foundation of national strategy.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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