"No Troop Deployment for War... Difficult to Agree on Certain Parts of US Investment"

[Anchor]

Turning now to trade and security issues linked with the United States. President Lee Jae-myung firmly stated regarding troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz that there will be no deployment for war. Regarding investment in the U.S., he said that while an agreement was nearly reached, there were certain parts difficult for him to agree to, so discussions are currently underway again.

Reporter Kim Hye-young follows up.

[Reporter]

At a press conference, President Lee Jae-myung clearly stated that "there will be no troop deployment for war," saying the principle of non-involvement in war remains unchanged regarding the issue of troop deployment to the Strait of Hormuz.

[President Lee Jae-myung: There is no deployment involving or intervening in a war. I can state that clearly.]

However, he emphasized that, like other nations, minimum activities must be carried out to protect our merchant vessels, crude oil transport routes, and the safety of our citizens.

[President Lee Jae-myung: The Cheonghae Unit has (already) been dispatched, and the military is responding to threats against public safety. It is also true that we are reviewing and deliberating on measures to strengthen this.]

Accordingly, observers note that even if military assets are sent, it will likely aim to make a realistic contribution in a form that minimizes personnel outside the Strait of Hormuz.

President Lee has emphasized the criterion of "commercial rationality" regarding the U.S. investment negotiations, but he hinted that he put the brakes on some matters at the final stage.

[President Lee Jae-myung: They say an agreement was almost reached, but looking at the details, there were some parts that were not easy to agree to, so we are discussing it again.]

Regarding the "difficult-to-agree parts," an official from the ruling bloc conveyed that they concern "principles regarding the recovery of investments following the construction of nuclear power plants and gas combined-cycle power plants in the U.S. that have been discussed so far," and President Lee added comments to the effect that the national interest comes first.

[President Lee Jae-myung: I believe we should not be swayed spontaneously, or by relationships, pressure, coercion, or things like that. Not that the U.S. is doing that.]

President Lee also explained that there is no need to worry about "passing Korea" in North Korea-U.S. dialogue, saying, "Our government has a role to play in advancing North Korea-U.S. relations."

Reported by Cho Choon-dong and Jeong Sang-bo | Video by Park Seon-soo
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.