The South Korean government is accelerating its plans to contribute to the security of the Hormuz Strait as a defense ministry investigation team returns from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While the specifics of deployment and scale remain undecided, key challenges include establishing mission parameters that consider the readiness of the Korean Peninsula and the safety of dispatched personnel, as well as securing public consensus.
Based on the findings of the defense ministry team that returned on September 10, the government is exploring various ways to contribute and feasible missions. The National Security Council (NSC) is expected to discuss related matters on September 17.
Among the military assets under consideration since early this month are the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, supply support vessels, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams. These assets would contribute to navigation safety through maritime surveillance, logistical support, and mine countermeasures. However, the exact composition of forces and the scale of deployment have not yet been finalized.
The military is reportedly reviewing force composition to minimize operational gaps around the Korean Peninsula due to overseas deployment. This involves prioritizing non-combat missions with a minimal number of personnel.
Equally important as force composition is the scope of the mission. Even with similar support tasks, the nature can vary based on the intended recipients and purposes of maritime surveillance information and logistical support. Discussions are ongoing regarding whether to conduct missions independently or in coordination with multinational operations, as well as the command structure.
Even a small deployment or support mission carries the risk of involvement in conflicts, necessitating the need to clarify operational areas and personnel protection measures. Key considerations also include local maintenance and supply conditions, deployment duration, mission completion criteria, and exit strategies in case of deteriorating situations.
However, the military maintains a cautious stance, stating that current discussions are not predicated on deployment. A military official remarked, "It is premature to discuss specific roles when a deployment proposal has not even been prepared," adding that various reviews are being conducted according to relevant procedures.
In the review process, the government is also enhancing information management. The Blue House initiated an investigation on September 10 into the circumstances surrounding the leak of deployment review information among foreign affairs and security agencies, including the defense and foreign ministries.
Beyond military considerations, securing public consensus remains a significant hurdle. A recent survey conducted by Gallup Korea from September 8 to 10 among 1,000 adults aged 18 and older indicated that 55% opposed the deployment to Hormuz, while only 32% supported it. Public dissent is also emerging from the ruling party and its allies.
On September 11, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Gi-heon expressed on KBS 1 Radio's 'Current Affairs' that deployment does not align with national interests, voicing concerns that South Korea could become a target of Iranian attacks. On the same day, the Justice and Innovation Party, Progressive Party, Social Democratic Party, and Basic Income Party held a joint press conference, highlighting the risks of involvement in war and calling for a halt to deployment reviews.
If a deployment is ultimately decided, the government's ability to convincingly articulate the necessity of contributions to navigation safety and their impact on national interests will be crucial. Clearly presenting measures for ensuring the safety of dispatched personnel and conditions for mission termination will also be essential for gaining public support.
Meanwhile, the Gallup Korea survey was conducted via telephone interviews, with a margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. For more details, please refer to the website of the National Election Survey Deliberation Commission.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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