Park "Recognizes that it is inevitable considering Korea-U.S. relations"... Innovation Party: “Additional bills will return, oppose”

While U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called for the deployment of troops to the Strait of Hormuz, conflicting opinions emerged within the ruling party on the 7th.

In an interview with SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show', five-term lawmaker Park Jie-won said, "If it's a non-combat branch, isn't there no choice but to dispatch troops to some extent (to the Strait of Hormuz)?" and "Looking at the relationship with the United States, I acknowledge that it is inevitable."

Rep. Park emphasized, "The government needs to closely discuss specific details with the United States, but if we unconditionally refuse to send troops or send combat troops even if we do, it will cause problems in the future, so we need to review it carefully."

Regarding Iran's expected opposition to the deployment of troops to the Strait of Hormuz, he added, "Iran will likely have a stronger stance," but added, "However, we believe it will be handled well because of our position and our relationship with the United States."

Regarding the issue of opposition within the progressive camp, Rep. Park said, "We must fully understand their position," but added, "Above all, it has a relationship with the United States and is a matter of national interest, so it must be resolved well."

There are also voices opposing the deployment of troops, led by progressive opposition parties such as the Fatherland Innovation Party.

Shin Jang-sik, leader of the Innovation Party, said at the Supreme Council meeting on this day, "If we send troops, we will be seen as an 'easy country' in the international community. If we are not careful, we may come back with additional bills from the United States, demanding more participation in the war." He added, "The Innovation Party will clearly state its opposition at all stages."

Representative Lee Ki-heon of the Democratic Party also appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "The official position of the Iranian government, which is a party to the war, is clearly stated that 'even if non-combat troops are dispatched from Korea, this will be considered participation in the war.'" He said, "I am very concerned."

In this regard, the Democratic Party leadership took a cautious stance.

Chief Spokesperson Park Seong-joon met with reporters at the National Assembly that day and said, "(Representative Kim Min-seok) has consistently maintained that it is not right to make predictions about situations that have not yet been clearly raised."