Key security issues, including the potential deployment to the Hormuz Strait, the transfer of wartime operational control, and responses to North Korean military incursions, were raised during a government questioning session in the National Assembly on September 10. However, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek was absent due to an overseas trip. His absence sparked criticism regarding the prioritization of his overseas engagements over pressing security matters that he should address.
The opposition expressed regret over the minister's absence, while the Ministry of National Defense explained that Ahn's trip to Croatia was necessary as the Croatian side required his presence for a signing ceremony related to the Chunmu export contract.
During the questioning, a wide range of topics was covered, from the Hormuz deployment to the transfer of operational control and North Korea's military posture. These issues are directly linked to the safety of military personnel and national security, necessitating clarity on the minister's judgment and accountability. In Ahn's absence, Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and Deputy Minister Lee Doo-hee were left to respond to the inquiries.
On the Hormuz deployment, even members of the ruling party urged caution. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Byeong-joo highlighted the need to protect energy security but expressed concerns that deploying troops could jeopardize their safety and lead to an unwarranted conflict. He emphasized that South Korea should not be drawn into a conflict simply because the U.S. demands it.
In response, Prime Minister Han stated that no specific decisions had been made yet and that various scenarios were under review. He noted that the deployment would require consultation with the National Assembly and building public consensus.
Opposition lawmaker Yoo Yong-won questioned whether the Ministry of National Defense was preparing a deployment plan focused on non-combat logistical support, such as supply ships and maritime patrol aircraft. Deputy Minister Lee replied that no decisions had been made regarding the Hormuz deployment, but they were considering factors like freedom of navigation, safety of international shipping routes, and national economic interests.
Regarding the transfer of wartime operational control, there was a reaffirmation of the intent to expedite the process. When Kim urged for a swift transition, Deputy Minister Lee agreed, stating that they were working to complete the verification of full operational capability during the upcoming South Korea-U.S. Security Consultative Meeting.
The opposition also focused on North Korean incursions across the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and the readiness of South Korean forces. Yoo noted that during his visit to a division's border area, he observed six facilities established by North Korea that encroached 10 to 15 meters over the MDL, questioning the government's response.
Additionally, Kang Seon-young of the People Power Party argued that the ongoing incursions were weakening South Korea's military readiness and engagement rules. She raised concerns about the removal of loudspeakers aimed at North Korea, the dismantling of anti-tank obstacles, and issues related to the management of firearms and ammunition, asserting that the consolidation of military academies was hastily executed and detrimental to the morale of soldiers and cadets.
Despite the significant inquiries into key defense policies, the absence of Minister Ahn meant that lawmakers could not hear directly from him. Yoo expressed regret that the defense minister was unable to attend the government questioning session due to his overseas trip, especially given the serious security situation.
Ahn's trip to Croatia is scheduled from September 9 to 11, where he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and attend the signing ceremony for the Chunmu export contract.
This trip marks South Korea's first defense export to Croatia, involving the supply of 18 Chunmu launchers, valued at approximately 640 billion won. However, some critics have suggested that Ahn's trip appears to be an attempt to avoid accountability during the government questioning session.
The Ministry of National Defense defended Ahn's absence, stating that the Croatian side insisted on his attendance at the signing ceremony, making his visit unavoidable in light of the diplomatic necessity to facilitate the first defense export and enhance cooperation between the two countries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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