Lawmaker Kim Young-bae Criticizes Government Response, Citing Japan's Refusal of US Troop Deployment Demand

Rep. Kim Young-bae of the Democratic Party of Korea criticized calls for troop deployment by some domestic political circles as "a dangerously reckless idea akin to martial law," citing Japan's de facto refusal of troop deployment amid US pressure. In a March 16 interview with KBS 1 Radio's "Jeonyeok Sisa," Kim stated this after recounting how then-US President Donald Trump pressured for deployment by mentioning the roles of countries involved with the Strait of Hormuz and the presence of US troops in Japan. He further described some National Assembly members' urging of South Korea's deployment as "a dangerously reckless idea on par with martial law," pointing out that the impact on South Korea, a major importer and exporter of Middle Eastern oil, must be considered.

He analyzed Japan's refusal as a consideration of its domestic laws making it difficult for the Self-Defense Forces to engage in combat operations, and the potential for the entire economy to be shaken if crude oil supply is disrupted. Kim viewed Japan's stance as fortunate for South Korea and expressed the opinion that de-escalating the situation would be the best course of action for President Trump to secure victory in the midterm elections.

Kim added that South Korea is in close consultation with the US ahead of the implementation of the recently passed Special Act on Investment to the US, with Prime Minister Kim's visit to the US being part of these discussions. The South Korean government is expected to convey its official stance on the Middle East situation at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France on March 25.