U.S. President Donald Trump on the 14th (local time) publicly asked Korea to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz, prompting civic groups to issue statements in quick succession saying Seoul should not comply.
People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) said in a statement on the 15th that "even if there are 'losses' from Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, that cannot be grounds for sending warships to the area." It added, "The United States and Israel's attack on Iran is an illegal act that can never be justified and a crime of aggression under international law," and "dispatching Korean troops to a war of aggression is nothing but a clear violation of the Constitution."
People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) said, "Sending troops to the Strait of Hormuz and intervening in a war of aggression violates our Constitution and international law." It went on, "If Korea decides to send warships under the current circumstances, it would violate the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty by supporting America's illegal preemptive strike." It also said, "Participation in military actions in the Strait of Hormuz will fuel attacks on Korean warships and the embassy by Iran."
People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) added, "Dispatching our warships is inappropriate in that it adds to the security burden on the Korean Peninsula."
People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) said, "In the past, when the Korean government sent the Cheonghae Unit to the Strait of Hormuz, it avoided democratic consultation and ignored the National Assembly's consent procedures, packaging it as if it were for the 'national interest.'" It continued, "The Lee Jae-myung administration, which claims to be a government of popular sovereignty, must not once again make a decision to mobilize the Cheonghae Unit for America's war of aggression or decide on additional deployments without the National Assembly's consent on the basis of such bogus claims."
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) also issued a statement saying, "The Korean government must firmly reject the demand to join a war of aggression." It added, "Sending troops at the request of the United States is a dangerous choice that will expand international conflicts and make Korea a party to another war." It went on, "Volunteering to act as America's lackey and joining a war of aggression can never be tolerated," and "as a sovereign nation, Korea must firmly reject the baseless pressure and threats from the United States and make clear the principle that it will not take part in a war of aggression."