The discussion of troop deployment to the Hormuz Strait has emerged as a key political issue following the Blue House's formal acknowledgment of the matter. The opposition People Power Party has intensified its criticism, claiming that the administration of President Lee Jae-myung has worsened the situation and asserting that deployment is unavoidable. In contrast, the pro-government coalition has generally reacted negatively to the idea of deployment. The Blue House stated, "There is nothing decided yet as we are still in the review stage."
On September 6, People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo posted on Facebook, "Soon, President Lee Jae-myung will seek National Assembly approval for the deployment to the Hormuz Strait," criticizing the president for a delayed response six months after the U.S. requested cooperation.
Ahn referenced his earlier warning in March that a passive response to deployment could lead to pressure in economic and trade sectors, asserting that the government has exacerbated the situation. He predicted that those who opposed his deployment proposal at that time would again act as 'armchair peace advocates,' stating, "They will undermine the Korea-U.S. alliance and jeopardize national safety and security."
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk also ramped up attacks on the government and ruling party. He noted that it has been over six months since the U.S. requested cooperation, saying, "If a decision had been made earlier and appropriate cooperation had been established, we would not be in this situation." He cited the example of former President Roh Moo-hyun, who convened an emergency cabinet meeting to approve a deployment agreement shortly after the Iraq War began in 2003, urging, "Do not just talk about the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit'; learn from it."
Conversely, opposition voices against deployment have emerged from the Democratic Party and the pro-government coalition. While the Democratic Party has not yet issued an official stance, lawmaker Lee Gi-heon, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, stated on Facebook on September 4, "If a request for deployment approval comes to the National Assembly, I will not agree to it in order to protect national interests and constitutional values."
On the same day, Kim Jun-hyung, the floor leader of the Justice and Innovation Party, warned, "Even the Yoon Suk-yeol administration has not openly deployed troops to the Ukraine war. Deployment is a line that must not be crossed under any circumstances." Noh Jeong-hyun, the chief spokesperson for the Progressive Party, also issued a statement the previous day, urging, "Not a single person, not a single ship. Declare 'no deployment' immediately."
In this context, a Blue House official remarked on September 4, "Substantial contributions in the Hormuz Strait include military contributions," but emphasized that plans for substantial contributions are still under review and nothing has been decided. President Lee Jae-myung reportedly expressed during a meeting with civil society representatives at the Blue House on the same day, "The discussion of deployment is truly difficult. There has been no progress," and added that he is taking the matter seriously.
As the Blue House maintains a cautious stance and lawmakers continue to debate, the National Assembly is set to hold a government question session on foreign affairs, unification, and security on September 10, followed by a confirmation hearing for Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-cheol on September 16. Previously, the People Power Party had demanded an urgent inquiry at the National Defense Committee level. Consequently, a direct confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties over troop deployment to the Hormuz Strait is anticipated.
Additionally, during the government question session, lawmaker Lee, who has publicly opposed deployment, is expected to be among the questioners, potentially leading to a scene where ruling party members press government officials.
On September 6, People Power Party lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo posted on Facebook, "Soon, President Lee Jae-myung will seek National Assembly approval for the deployment to the Hormuz Strait," criticizing the president for a delayed response six months after the U.S. requested cooperation.
Ahn referenced his earlier warning in March that a passive response to deployment could lead to pressure in economic and trade sectors, asserting that the government has exacerbated the situation. He predicted that those who opposed his deployment proposal at that time would again act as 'armchair peace advocates,' stating, "They will undermine the Korea-U.S. alliance and jeopardize national safety and security."
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk also ramped up attacks on the government and ruling party. He noted that it has been over six months since the U.S. requested cooperation, saying, "If a decision had been made earlier and appropriate cooperation had been established, we would not be in this situation." He cited the example of former President Roh Moo-hyun, who convened an emergency cabinet meeting to approve a deployment agreement shortly after the Iraq War began in 2003, urging, "Do not just talk about the 'Roh Moo-hyun spirit'; learn from it."
Conversely, opposition voices against deployment have emerged from the Democratic Party and the pro-government coalition. While the Democratic Party has not yet issued an official stance, lawmaker Lee Gi-heon, a member of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, stated on Facebook on September 4, "If a request for deployment approval comes to the National Assembly, I will not agree to it in order to protect national interests and constitutional values."
On the same day, Kim Jun-hyung, the floor leader of the Justice and Innovation Party, warned, "Even the Yoon Suk-yeol administration has not openly deployed troops to the Ukraine war. Deployment is a line that must not be crossed under any circumstances." Noh Jeong-hyun, the chief spokesperson for the Progressive Party, also issued a statement the previous day, urging, "Not a single person, not a single ship. Declare 'no deployment' immediately."
In this context, a Blue House official remarked on September 4, "Substantial contributions in the Hormuz Strait include military contributions," but emphasized that plans for substantial contributions are still under review and nothing has been decided. President Lee Jae-myung reportedly expressed during a meeting with civil society representatives at the Blue House on the same day, "The discussion of deployment is truly difficult. There has been no progress," and added that he is taking the matter seriously.
As the Blue House maintains a cautious stance and lawmakers continue to debate, the National Assembly is set to hold a government question session on foreign affairs, unification, and security on September 10, followed by a confirmation hearing for Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-cheol on September 16. Previously, the People Power Party had demanded an urgent inquiry at the National Defense Committee level. Consequently, a direct confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties over troop deployment to the Hormuz Strait is anticipated.
Additionally, during the government question session, lawmaker Lee, who has publicly opposed deployment, is expected to be among the questioners, potentially leading to a scene where ruling party members press government officials.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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