As the government weighs how to join a multinational initiative to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the calculus has grown more complex with Washington's proposal for a new coalition. Seoul has already pledged substantive contributions as a member of the international community, making participation in multinational operations unavoidable. But practical constraints — including ensuring safety and securing parliamentary approval — together with potential ramifications for the South Korea-U.S. alliance, call for a cautious approach.
South Korea's military authorities have steadily participated in discussions led by Britain and France on supporting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after hostilities end. Starting with a France-hosted videoconference of chiefs of defense attended by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Young-seung in March, several working- and senior-level consultations have followed. The director of strategic planning at the Joint Chiefs of Staff reportedly attended a general-level meeting jointly hosted by the two countries on Oct. 30. At that gathering, joined by about 40 countries, Britain and France shared post-conflict operational plans, while South Korea is said to have expressed a general position that it is reviewing possible contributions.
Seoul's continued engagement in the British- and French-led talks signals its support for international cooperation on freedom of navigation. Whether to commit actual military assets, however, hinges on ensuring safety. Concerns have been raised that if mine-clearing and protection of commercial vessels become concrete missions, the risks cannot be fully controlled under current circumstances.
Some observers have floated deploying the Wang Geon (4,400 tons), a destroyer that is the successor to the Dae Jo-yeong of the Cheonghae Unit stationed in the Gulf of Aden, or dispatching a logistics support ship. But the burden is considerable given exposure to varied threats such as drones. The military is reportedly considering reinforcing the Wang Geon with counter-drone capabilities. Military authorities have concluded, however, that deploying the Cheonghae Unit to the Strait of Hormuz would require fresh parliamentary approval.
A military official said, "We are reviewing realistic contribution options with relevant ministries, taking into comprehensive account international law, the safety of maritime transport routes, the South Korea-U.S. alliance, the Korean Peninsula security situation and domestic legal procedures." Accordingly, options with relatively low burdens — such as dispatching liaison officers to a multinational force headquarters or sharing intelligence — are being discussed as initial responses.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back previously told the National Assembly that the ministry is drafting a four-stage response plan for the Strait of Hormuz situation. This is read as meaning that early responses will center on diplomatic support, intelligence cooperation and personnel dispatches, with deployment of military assets considered later.
Adding to the complexity, the United States has floated its own coalition concept. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the U.S. State Department has delivered the "Maritime Freedom Construct" (MFC) proposal to embassies of various countries. Some countries, including Australia and New Zealand, have since confirmed receipt, and discussions are broadening.
The South Korean government has not stated an official position on the initiative, maintaining a cautious stance. The Foreign Ministry said on Nov. 2 that "close communication between South Korea and the U.S. is under way," declining to elaborate on specifics. The Defense Ministry also said it "will continue consultations with relevant countries and closely review whether to participate."
Seoul must weigh the alliance with Washington, coordination with the European-led initiative and domestic legal procedures all at once. Given that the U.S. proposal remains at an early stage, analysts say the first task will be to gauge Washington's specific intentions going forward.