The liberal United New Democratic Party, South Korea’s biggest party with 140 seats in the unicameral 299-member legislature, has decided to oppose the government’s plan to extend the deployment of South Korean troops in Iraq for another year after cutting the number of troops in half. Meanwhile, the UNDP candidate for president, Chung Dong-young, and the main opposition Grand National Party both appear to be avoiding taking a position on the issue. With the presidential election less than two months away, the fallout from the government’s controversial decision is already having quite an effect on the landscape of South Korean election politics, and when the proposal is submitted to the National Assembly for approval, it is expected to cause a heated debate.

The UNDP’s decision to oppose the troop extension, a rare move because it was made before the government’s official announcement of the matter, was probably made with the December presidential election in mind. If the UNDP takes a tepid stance on the matter, its main supporters would likely accuse the party of having a similar attitude to that of the GNP. As the administration of President Roh has broken its public pledge of withdrawing the troops by the end of this year, this kind of attitude could undercut Chung’s support rating. Strong opposition from civic groups have also factored into the UNDP’s decision.

Chung, meanwhile, seems to be sidestepping the matter. Rep. Kim Hyo-seok, the UNDP floor leader, said, “The committee of top representatives decided to oppose the troop extension and did consult with Chung.” He continued, “The government is doing its best for the greater national interest while the National Assembly reflects the public sentiment, with more than 80 percent of people opposing it.”

As it has in effect overturned its pledge to pull the troops out of Iraq by the end of the year, the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae, or the Blue House, has much to worry about. The troop extension, a decision made ahead of the December vote, could prompt plenty of loyal backers to withdraw their support. The UNDP’s opposition, which was unexpected, is also burdensome.

In a security policy coordination meeting on October 19, the presidential office had already decided to extend the deployment of the Zaytun Unit for another year after halving the number of troops.

President Roh hopes to persuade the public by delivering a speech on October 23. He plans to emphasize that the troop extension was an unavoidable decision made in consideration of the denuclearization of North Korea and a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Separately, the Blue House plans to launch an all-out lobby of lawmakers and each political party.

Attention is also focused on how the troop extension will affect the lukewarm relationship between Roh and Chung. Since Chung has no choice but to follow his party’s decision, the two could be at odds over the matter.

A close aide to Roh said, however, “As the leader of the nation, the president needs to make a decision on the matter, whereas presidential candidates tend to represent public opinion. It is natural that each one should have a role in politics.”

“If Chung has an opinion that goes against the government’s decision, it will not necessarily worsen relations with the president,” the aide said.

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