Politician · country

Roh Moo Hyun on Iraq

Supported troop deployment (strong)

TL;DR

Roh Moo Hyun strongly supported sending non-combat South Korean troops to Iraq for reconstruction and peacekeeping efforts.

Key Points

He urged the National Assembly to authorize the dispatch of 700 non-combat troops to support the U.S. war effort in April 2003.
The president affirmed in October 2003 that he was grateful for South Korea's support in Iraq during a summit meeting in Bangkok.
In June 2004, he stated the government would proceed with sending additional troops despite the kidnapping of a South Korean national by Iraqi militants.

Summary

Roh Moo Hyun's core position regarding Iraq involved dispatching South Korean military personnel to support the U.S.-led efforts in the country, primarily for peacekeeping and reconstruction tasks. He viewed this deployment as necessary to solidify the critical relationship with the United States, which he deemed essential for progress in resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis. This stance was evidenced by his commitment to send additional troops, notably the Zaytun Division, despite domestic political opposition and protests against the war.

However, this decision was fraught with domestic controversy, especially as his support base included many who favored a more distinct relationship with the U.S. and opposed the war. The commitment was severely tested in June 2004 when a South Korean contractor was kidnapped by Iraqi militants who demanded a troop withdrawal as a condition for release. Despite the hostage crisis, which tragically ended with the contractor's murder, the president maintained the plan to increase troop presence, insisting that South Korea would not yield to terrorist demands, even while seeking diplomatic assistance for the crisis.

Key Quotes

"There is no change in the government's spirit and position that it will send troops to Iraq to help establish peace and rebuild Iraq"

News Briefing after NSC meeting regarding hostage crisis June 22, 2004

"I appreciate that the United States has been making efforts to make progress in the areas related to North Korea, and this issue is very critical for-[inaudible]-and the further progress of Korea. And in this regard, the six-party talks-[inaudible]-progress. And I would like to thank United States for helping us to achieve this important milestone. And I am thankful for Mr. Bush for making more efforts to continue to resume the six-party talks in the near future."

Remarks Prior to Discussions With President Roh Moo-hyun of South Korea in Bangkok October 20, 2003

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Roh Moo Hyun's main reason for sending troops to Iraq?

Roh Moo Hyun's primary rationale for sending South Korean troops to Iraq was strategic necessity regarding foreign policy. He believed that contributing to the U.S. efforts in Iraq, even with non-combat forces, was essential to maintaining a strong relationship with the United States. He cited this alliance as vital leverage for resolving the international dispute over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

Did Roh Moo Hyun's stance on Iraq change after the 2004 hostage crisis?

No, Roh Moo Hyun's position did not change following the kidnapping and subsequent murder of South Korean contractor Kim Sun-il in June 2004. The president made it clear that the government would not yield to the demands of the Iraqi militants to withdraw troops. He directed ministries to seek the hostage's release but affirmed the commitment to the deployment for reconstruction and peacekeeping.

What type of mission did South Korea conduct in Iraq under Roh Moo Hyun?

South Korea dispatched troops, including the Zaytun Division, primarily for peacekeeping and reconstruction-related tasks in Iraq. The president framed the commitment as a non-hostile effort aimed at establishing peace and rebuilding the nation. This mission made South Korea one of the largest coalition partners after the U.S. and the U.K.