People Power Party Criticizes Blue House’s Delayed Response on Hormuz Deployment, Calls It “Diplomacy That Only Draws Criticism”

Ahn Cheolsoo: "First, Rein in Pro-Government Self-Sabotage on Security"

Lee Seongkwon: "Testing Public Opinion Is an Act of Responsibility Evasion"

Yoo Seungmin: "The Opposition Must Not Give Hasty Approval"

On September 6, the People Power Party harshly criticized a Blue House official's remark regarding the possible deployment of troops to the Strait of Hormuz, in which the official stated, "We might be able to act as long as there is no significant harm to our defense posture on the Korean Peninsula." The party argued, "President Lee Jaemyung's approach to the troop deployment issue has resulted only in 'diplomacy that invites criticism' at home and abroad."

An Cheolsoo, a four-term lawmaker, posted on Facebook that day, "Back in March, I had already warned, 'If we respond passively to the deployment, it could lead to economic and trade-related pressure.'" He criticized President Lee Jaemyung by saying, "Even after half a year, President Lee is only now talking about 'deliberation,' displaying a delayed response."

Regarding those who opposed his position at that time, Assemblyman An stated, "Most of them have not even served in the military but try to sell security only with their words." He continued, "It is clear that they will pretend to be 'living room pacifists,' wrapping their opposition to deployment as a matter of conviction." He urged, "Before sending the troop deployment motion to the National Assembly, President Lee should first rein in the pro-government figures' acts of self-sabotage regarding security."

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Assemblyman Lee Sungkwon, who is in his second term, also wrote on Facebook, "President Lee's choice to inform the public of our military's review of the Hormuz deployment through an anonymous Blue House official is an act unbefitting a commander-in-chief and lacks both courage and honesty." He criticized, "Hiding behind anonymous officials and watching the public's reaction to such a critical issue of citizens' lives and safety is a textbook example of shirking responsibility."

He continued, "Although the Blue House says there are various options such as non-combat or reconnaissance missions, there is no way to guarantee that our military could completely avoid military engagement if it were to enter the Strait during hostilities." He emphasized, "For this decision in particular, the entire process should be disclosed transparently, and the president must explain the matter to the public honestly and openly."

Yoo Seungmin, a former lawmaker, also suggested there may be ulterior motives behind the Blue House’s changing position on troop deployment. He pointed out, "The reason President Lee has suddenly switched to supporting deployment is because he wants to gain something from President Donald Trump in return."

Former Assemblyman Yoo especially warned, "If the 'payment' for this deployment is not U.S.-Korea security cooperation but, instead, includes things like fixing the timeline for wartime operational control transfer at the U.S.-Korea Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) this fall, recognizing North Korea's nuclear armament as Kim Jong Un wants, easing the U.S. policy of hostility toward North Korea, and securing President Lee's attendance at a Trump-Kim summit as a show, we must not give our consent lightly."

In an official comment, spokesperson Cho Yongsool stated, "Korea's diplomacy is losing its direction as we hesitate to respond to U.S. requests, flinch at Iran's warnings, and delay decisions at home, watching public sentiment." He criticized, "President Lee Jaemyung's so-called 'genius diplomacy'—by waiting and watching—has made Korea a 'sandwich' on the international stage, struggling and only resulting in diplomacy that brings criticism."

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This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.