Moon emphasizes “practical solution” regarding deployment of S. Korean troops to Strait of Hormuz

South Korean President Moon Jae-in answers questions during his New Year’s press conference at the Blue House on Jan. 14. (Blue House photo pool)

President says S. Korea-US defense cost-sharing has to be reasonable and fair

South Korean President Moon Jae-in answers questions during his New Year’s press conference at the Blue House on Jan. 14. (Blue House photo pool)

When asked during his New Year’s press conference on Jan. 14 about the proposed deployment of military forces to the Strait of Hormuz, South Korean President Moon Jae-in acknowledged that the proposal is “tied up with a number of complicated issues” but concluded by promising to “keep looking for a “practical solution.” These remarks show that Seoul remains torn between a “practical solution” and the “complicated nature” of the prospective deployment. The implication is that the government hasn’t yet decided whether it will send forces to the region and that it won’t be making that decision in the immediate future.

The primary considerations in regard to the deployment, Moon said, are the safety of South Korean citizens and companies. “The most important issue to consider is the issue of safety for South Korean citizens and companies,” Moon said. Moon added that “the South Korea-US alliance deserves consideration, and because we have diplomatic relations with Iran, the whole picture has to be taken into consideration.” Ranked by priority, in other words, citizen safety comes before the South Korea-US alliance. This suggests that, even if Seoul decides to send military forces, it might not join the coalition that the US has organized to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

When asked about South Korea’s negotiations with the US over their defense cost-sharing agreement, Moon said “there has been progress” but observed that “there’s still a long way to go.” Moon emphasized that “from the South Korean perspective, cost-sharing should be reasonable and fair, within the framework of previous cost-sharing negotiations.” This explanation means that the government is maintaining a principled position and has gained the US’ understanding, at least to some extent.

Moon dodged questions about South Korea and the US’ joint military exercises, explaining that he couldn’t “provide an answer about specific issues.” Moon only offered the following remarks: “I think we need to restore momentum in North Korea-US dialogue, which is at a deadlock. We’re in agreement with the US about that, and we’ll work together on the necessary measures.” This appears to leave open the possibility of South Korea and the US taking the “necessary measures” for resuming North Korea-US dialogue.

By Yoo Kang-moon, senior staff writer

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