Cheong Wa Dae: Examining Various Possibilities for Hormuz Contribution

Wi Sung-lac, Director of the National Security Office at Cheong Wa Dae, stated regarding the South Korean government's practical contribution plans for the stability of the Strait of Hormuz that it is currently "at the stage of reviewing various possibilities," adding that no specific plans have been finalized yet.

Director Wi, who is accompanying President Lee Jae-myung on his tour of South America, gave this response at the press center set up locally in Buenos Aires when asked by reporters whether the stance that no request for the dispatch of military assets has been received from the U.S. remains unchanged, and whether the dispatch of military assets such as warships is being reviewed regardless of a U.S. request.

Director Wi explained, "While consultations with the U.S. side are underway, the U.S. side is not making any specific demands. The consultations are at a level where they are sounding out areas in which we can contribute."

He added, "We are responding to these consultations and internally reviewing various possibilities. There are also matters remaining, such as building consensus with the National Assembly or the public depending on the issue."

Director Wi repeatedly explained, "Given that free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is an issue of significant interest to our economy and security, the government is examining options available to us under the judgment that we must actively participate and contribute."

Regarding points raised that a recent misidentification of a U.S. military drone participating in joint exercises near the frontline area of Paju, Gyeonggi Province, as a North Korean aircraft might indicate a lack of communication between South Korea and the U.S., he stated, "I understand that our side was already aware of the drone operation plan," denying that there was a communication issue.

In response to criticisms that there might have been issues regarding military discipline, such as improper reporting within the South Korean military, he dismissed the claims, stating, "Reports that information was not properly reported at the working level do not seem to be true, and we need to examine up to what level reporting is appropriate. I do not think it is an issue of communication or discipline. It does not seem to have been a particular problem."

Meanwhile, regarding recent claims by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the effect that Russia has used North Korean missiles, he said, "Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a major matter of concern for us."

Director Wi stated, "Such military cooperation violates relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Furthermore, as it is an issue directly linked to our security, we are viewing it with concern. Our position is that cooperation violating Security Council resolutions must be halted."

He added, "We will closely monitor the situation while making efforts to prevent it from deteriorating further, ideally seeing such illegal military cooperation decrease and disappear, and take necessary measures."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.