Strait of Hormuz deployment 'unavoidable,' Democratic Party lawmaker says

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Park Ji-won said Monday that sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz is likely unavoidable, arguing that deploying non-combat personnel would be a necessary step.

"Given the relationship with the United States, I accept that this is unavoidable," Park said in an interview on SBS Radio's "Kim Tae-hyun's Politics Show."

Park stressed that the government must work out the details carefully with Washington. "The government needs to coordinate closely with the United States on the specifics, but it will have to think carefully — flatly refusing to send troops, or sending combat troops if a deployment does go ahead, would both create problems down the road," he said.

On the prospect of Iranian backlash should South Korea deploy forces to the Strait of Hormuz, Park acknowledged that "Iran will likely take a stronger stance," but added, "We have our own position and our relationship with the United States to consider, so I believe it will be handled well."

Park said he fully understands the opposition to deployment within the progressive camp. "We need to have enough understanding for those within our own camp who have no choice but to oppose it," he said. "But above all, this is a matter of our relationship with the United States and a question of national interest — it is a difficult problem that must be resolved well."

Asked whether President Lee Jae-myung made the right call, Park said, "I think so." On whether the deployment bill would pass the National Assembly, he said, "Of course it should."