Experts back South Korean deployment to Strait of Hormuz as aligned with national interests

South Korea is weighing whether to deploy military assets to the Strait of Hormuz, with experts arguing that the mission would serve both its alliance commitments and national interests.

At Washington’s request, the South Korean government is examining options that include sending P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and the Soyang logistics support ship, Yonhap News Agency reported. The plan would require parliamentary approval.

If approved, the deployment would mark South Korea’s first overseas dispatch of military forces since March 2009, when it sent the Cheonghae anti-piracy unit to the Gulf of Aden. Public opinion is less supportive. A Gallup survey conducted in March found that 55% of South Koreans opposed sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

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In the Strait of Hormuz, deploying military forces is an important signal to Washington, showing that despite recent friction over trade and other matters, Seoul remains willing to share alliance responsibilities.

Pan Jisoo, a professor of international security at South Korea’s Korea National Diplomatic Academy, told Reuters that a deployment would send an important message to Washington. It would show that Seoul remained willing to share alliance responsibilities despite recent disagreements over trade and other issues, he said.

Retired South Korean lieutenant general Chun In-bum, a former special forces commander, said South Korea had substantial economic ties to the Strait of Hormuz. Contributing to the strait’s openness, including through military means, would therefore align with the country’s national interests, he said.

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South Korea has considerable economic interests linked to the Strait of Hormuz, and contributing to keeping the strait open, including in the military domain, is important and consistent with national interests.