The South Korean government is grappling with how to contribute to a multinational initiative aimed at securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with calculations growing more complex after the United States proposed a new coalition. Having already pledged substantive contributions as a member of the international community, Seoul views participation in multinational operations as unavoidable. However, the government faces practical constraints including asset safety and parliamentary approval, while also weighing the potential impact on the Korea-U.S. alliance, requiring a cautious approach.
Military authorities have consistently participated in discussions led by the United Kingdom and France on supporting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the conflict ends. The engagement began with a videoconference among military chiefs hosted by France in March, attended by Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Jin Young-seung, followed by multiple working-level and senior-level consultations. On the 30th of last month, the JCS Strategic Planning Director also attended a general-level meeting co-hosted by the two countries. At the gathering of approximately 40 nations, the U.K. and France shared post-war operational plans, while Korea reportedly conveyed a general position that contribution measures are under review.
The government's continued engagement in the U.K.- and France-led discussions carries significance as a show of support for international cooperation on freedom of navigation. However, actually deploying military assets to operations hinges on securing safety. Concerns have been raised that if mine-clearing and commercial vessel protection missions materialize, current conditions make it difficult to fully control the risks.
Some suggest deploying the destroyer Wang Geon (4,400 tons), a successor to the Dae Jo-yeong ship of the Cheonghae Unit stationed in the Gulf of Aden, or a logistics support vessel. But the burden is considerable given exposure to diverse threats including drones. The military is reportedly reviewing plans to reinforce the Wang Geon with counter-drone capabilities. However, military authorities have determined that deploying the Cheonghae Unit to the Strait of Hormuz would require fresh parliamentary consent.
"We are reviewing realistic contribution measures with relevant ministries, comprehensively considering international law, maritime transport route safety, the Korea-U.S. alliance, the Korean Peninsula security situation, and domestic legal procedures," a military official said, expressing a cautious stance. Accordingly, the initial response options under consideration include relatively low-burden measures such as dispatching liaison officers to the multinational force headquarters or sharing intelligence.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back had previously told the National Assembly that a four-stage response plan is being prepared in preparation for the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. This is interpreted as meaning that the initial response will focus on diplomatic support, intelligence cooperation, and personnel dispatch, while military asset deployment will be considered as a lower priority.
Against this backdrop, the U.S. proposal for a separate coalition has emerged as another variable. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the U.S. State Department has conveyed a "Maritime Freedom Construct" (MFC) proposal to embassies of various countries. Since then, some nations including Australia and New Zealand have acknowledged receiving the proposal, indicating that discussions are expanding.
The Korean government has maintained a cautious stance without issuing an official position on the initiative. On the 2nd, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "close communication is taking place between Korea and the U.S.," while declining to comment on specific details of consultations. The Ministry of National Defense also said, "We will continue consultations with relevant countries and closely review our participation."
The government must comprehensively consider the Korea-U.S. alliance, coordination with European-led initiatives, and domestic political and legal procedures. In particular, with the U.S. proposal still in its early stages, observers say the priority task will be to ascertain Washington's specific intentions going forward.