Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Friday underscored the importance of safeguarding South Korean citizens and national interests in the Strait of Hormuz but firmly stated there will be no troop deployment that could lead to involvement in an overseas conflict. "Let it be clear. There will be no dispatch of troops that will lead to involvement in a conflict. There will be no engagement or involvement in war," Lee emphasized during a televised press conference.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee stressed the necessity of undertaking "the minimum level of activities" to protect nationals or ensure the transportation route for crude oil in the region, similar to measures taken by other countries. South Korea's Cheonghae military unit has broadened its mission scope to perform related activities in the area, and discussions are ongoing about ways to bolster these measures.
Addressing domestic concerns, President Lee reiterated his stance against seeking reelection through constitutional changes, noting the impossibility of his reelection under the current Constitution. He responded to allegations by opposition groups accusing him of harboring intentions for reelection despite constitutional restrictions that prevent changes to the presidential system from applying to the sitting president.
Friday's press conference was the seventh held by President Lee since his inauguration in June 2025, yet it was notable for its rarity, as previous conferences were typically aligned with significant occasions, such as the first anniversary of his administration. The event, announced three days prior, follows a decline in President Lee's approval ratings to the mid-30 percent range, particularly among young voters.