Bahk Eun-ji has been with The Korea Times since 2012, building a career across multiple desks. She began at the Business Desk, where she conducted in-depth interviews with key figures in Korea's corporate world. Later, she moved to the Politics & City Desk, focusing on education policy and social affairs. She later served as team leader of the digital content team, leading curation efforts on the newspaper’s homepage and reshaping print stories for social media audiences to enhance digital reach. Now back on the Politics Desk, she covers the National Assembly and the Ministry of National Defense, with a renewed focus on political developments.
Korea weighs noncombat role in Hormuz tension
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to journalists before boarding Marine One as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., Friday, for his Mar-a-Lago residence, where he was set to spend the weekend. AFP-Yonhap
By Bahk Eun-ji
FM urges Iran to ensure safe navigation in region in phone call with counterpart
The Korean government is leaning toward offering diplomatic and other nonmilitary support for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, rather than sending troops, amid Washington's growing pressure for allies to help stabilize shipping routes in the region.
A senior official of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea said Monday that the government’s position on the issue is taking shape gradually, pointing to Korea’s participation in a joint statement led by seven countries as a key example.
The foreign ministry said earlier that Korea joined the statement initiated by the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and Canada, which strongly condemned Iran’s effective closure of the strait and attacks on civilian vessels and energy infrastructure.
The official added that Seoul has consistently stressed the importance of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and will continue to respond in a measured manner.
The presidential office said high-level consultations with the U.S. and other countries are ongoing through multiple channels. At the same time, Seoul has kept its embassy in Iran open and remains in contact with Tehran.
Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held a phone call later in the day with his Iranian counterpart, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi. Cho expressed concerns that the Middle East situation is affecting global security and economy. He also urged Iran to stop attacking civilian facilities in Gulf nations and take steps to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize global energy supplies.
Cho also asked for Tehran’s cooperation in ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in Iran and vessels in the region, including those currently anchored in the strait. Araghchi explained Iran’s position, and the two sides agreed to remain in close communication.
The ROKS Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin, rear, and the Spanish naval frigate Victoria take part in a joint maritime exercise in the Gulf of Aden, Oct. 19, 2021. Courtesy of Ministry of National Defense
Diplomatic observers say the decision to join the statement signals that Seoul is drawing a line at immediate troop deployment while still indicating a willingness to contribute to maritime security in other ways.
Many countries that were asked to send forces have taken a similar stance, and Seoul officials are watching how other countries respond. Japan, for example, has been exploring limited options such as demining or other noncombat roles, offering a possible reference point for Seoul.
Park Won-gon, a professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University, said Korea should avoid taking the initiative in proposing specific measures to Washington at this stage.
“It is important that we do not put forward a proposal to the U.S. first,” Park said. “The most realistic approach is to align with a multilateral framework, participating in joint statements or consultations rather than engaging bilaterally.”
Park also said Washington’s call for allied contributions is likely to continue, adding that Seoul may benefit from taking a wait-and-see approach while coordinating with other countries facing similar pressure.
However, retired Lt. Gen. Chun In-bum, former commander of the Army Special Warfare Command, suggested that Korea consider deploying naval assets to the region. He framed it as a limited, defensive mission focused on protecting Korean shipping rather than participation in combat operations or a U.S.-led offensive, because the Strait of Hormuz is “not a distant geopolitical issue but a direct lifeline tied to Korea’s economy, industry and national survival.”