Dispatching troops. [Yonhap News Synthesis] The Republic of Korea is in a complex situation with debates for and against President Trump's request to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz. This debate goes beyond simple pros and cons, escalating into anti-American protests by leftists.

Those who support the dispatch of Korean warships to the Strait of Hormuz argue that we should not forget America's grace in helping Korea while upholding the ROK-US alliance. They also state that we must protect our oil tankers with our own strength.

However, leftists opposing the dispatch of warships vehemently argue that America's grace during the Korean War was repaid through the dispatch of troops to Vietnam, and if that's the case, they should withdraw their troops.

Anti-American elements provocatively demand that only the children of conservative right-wingers who support dispatching warships should be sent. There are also those who aggressively demand that the entire "Taegeukgi" protest movement be dispatched to Hormuz. Some also unreasonably claim that if Korean warships are withdrawn, North Korea will immediately invade. Once again, the nature of the leftists, who oppose for the sake of opposition, has not changed one bit.

Amidst the complexity where anti-Americanism and pro-Americanism are sharply divided, I will share my humble thoughts.

I firmly believe that it is right and more beneficial than harmful to dispatch Korean warships to Hormuz.

First reason; I believe that President Trump is not requesting the support of NATO countries, Japan, and Korea because he is overwhelmed by the war with Iran.

The leftists are currently claiming that Trump is starting a war without calculation and, being overwhelmed, is dragging allies into a death trap. This is not true. President Trump is not weak; rather, through this opportunity, he is testing the true intentions of NATO and its allies.

The second reason for dispatching warships is the clear expectation that a pro-American government will be established in Iran, replacing the current pro-China regime. The current Korean government is hesitating to dispatch warships, fearing retaliation, while only looking at the reactions of Iran and China.

The United States and Israel will, albeit taking some time, eliminate pro-China forces in Iran and establish a pro-American government. We must understand that the current conflict is Trump's strategy, following Venezuela, to eliminate Iran's pro-China regime and thus tighten the noose around China, the leader of communist countries and the origin of international election fraud.

The third reason is that Korea, as a maritime nation, needs to significantly strengthen its naval combat capabilities. Korea's ground and aerial weapons, including tanks and aircraft, have proven their power through exports.

However, its naval armament and combat capabilities have yet to be demonstrated. This opportunity will be a great chance to experimentally test the comprehensive performance of Korean vessels in various aspects and to enhance the navy's combat readiness. It will also be a good opportunity for joint operations with other countries.

We must not forget that North Korea is sending special forces units to the battlefields of its ally, Russia, to strengthen their forces for modern warfare through actual combat.

The fourth reason is that Korea is a nation under an armistice, caught between communist superpowers, and we do not know when war may break out.

If war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula, it will become a world war between international communist forces and free democratic forces. Some people boast that Korea can wage war alone, but this is ignorant talk.

Furthermore, it is a mistake to think that Koreans are somehow special and therefore live well now. I can guarantee that without American support and protection, today's Korea would not exist. To turn our backs on the grace of an ally now that we have prospered is worse than the act of a beast.

Do not harbor the delusion that Korea will continue to prosper without American help. If US troops withdraw tomorrow, the Korean economy will collapse the day after. Without US troops, no foreign companies will remain in Korea. Without foreign capital, Korea will become like a mudflat without water.

Moreover, if the US troops leave, Koreans will become prey to the Chinese or be executed under the North Korean communist regime, or fall into becoming a second wave of boat people. Do not forget the lesson of Vietnam, where leftists, the wealthy, and religious people were the first to be killed and expelled when a communist regime was established.

The leftists are now exaggerating the formidable resistance of the Iranian forces and portraying the dispatch of warships as an anti-national act that drives Korean troops into a death trap. Of course, there may be casualties. However, if it is limited to escorting oil tankers through international joint operations with allies like Korea, the US, and Japan, it is not that dangerous.

Furthermore, regardless of the danger, I believe it is a natural duty, beyond left and right, for our military to go to protect our oil tankers.

◆ Advisor Kim Tae-san

Advisor to Hanmi Daily, former representative of a North Korean trading company in the Czech Republic. In Korea, he has worked as the vice president of the North Korean Social Research Institute, providing deep insights and experience on inter-Korean relations and North Korean issues.