Cheong Wa Dae stated on the 4th regarding the plan to dispatch military forces to the Strait of Hormuz, “We can maneuver within the scope that does not significantly damage the preparedness posture on the Korean Peninsula.” A Cheong Wa Dae official met with reporters that day and said, “We have repeatedly discussed substantive contributions to stabilizing the Strait of Hormuz, and in fact, substantive contributions include military contributions,” adding, “Military contributions may involve participating in combat, but there are various options such as non-combat and search operations.”
The government is reportedly considering non-combat missions, such as maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, mine clearance, and logistical support, rather than direct combat, in response to U.S. requests. Earlier, the government conveyed its intention to dispatch non-combat assets, including the Navy’s new military support ship ‘So-yang’ and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft capable of submarine detection, to the U.S. side last month and is understood to be in discussions on specific details.
Cheong Wa Dae said, “Nothing has been decided yet” regarding whether and when to dispatch forces. It added that it is in the stage of conducting related consultations with the U.S., France, and the U.K. However, some interpret Cheong Wa Dae’s public statement about reviewing the Korean Peninsula’s preparedness posture in relation to the dispatch as leaving room for the possibility of deployment, considering the U.S. side’s persistent requests and security negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. When asked if the dispatch of military assets to the Strait of Hormuz could be discussed at the upcoming South Korea-France summit in France next week, a Cheong Wa Dae official said, “It would be difficult to say there is no possibility.”
National Assembly consent is required for any dispatch. A Cheong Wa Dae official also stated, “We are considering domestic legal procedures,” explaining, “Domestic legal procedures refer to consultations with the National Assembly and obtaining its consent.” The Democratic Party leadership did not release an official statement that day, only saying, “We will gather opinions.” However, some members of the ruling party and pro-government factions, including the Rebuilding Korea Party, are opposed, suggesting potential difficulties ahead.
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