[Edaily Reporter Kim Sang-yoon ] The Blue House announced that it is reviewing plans to strengthen and expand the capabilities and operations of the Cheonghae Unit to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and protect South Korean merchant ships and crude oil transport routes. While maintaining the principle of not directly intervening in the war in the Middle East, the government has left open the possibility of making a military contribution to secure maritime transport routes.

Woo Sung-rak, Director of the National Security Office, made this statement during a press briefing held at the Blue House on the 30th, saying, “While maintaining close communication with the international community regarding the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, we have continuously sought ways to play the necessary role and make the necessary contributions to protect our citizens and safeguard our economic interests.”

Director Wi explained, “Specifically, we are carefully considering measures such as strengthening and expanding the Cheonghae Unit,” but added, “The review has not yet been finalized.”

The government’s announcement that it is officially reviewing an expansion of the Cheonghae Unit’s role to ensure maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz is interpreted as a measure to address disruptions in crude oil shipments and safety concerns for South Korean vessels resulting from the deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

However, the government made clear its existing principle of not directly intervening in a war in the Middle East.

Director Wi emphasized, “As the President has stated, we will uphold the principle of never becoming involved in or intervening in war under any circumstances,” adding, “Our stance remains unchanged: we will carry out the minimum necessary activities and make international contributions to protect our merchant ships, secure crude oil shipments, and safeguard the lives and safety of our citizens.”

In particular, the government stated that it is taking into account the military response moves by major powers surrounding the Strait of Hormuz during its review process.

Director Wi explained, “Even before the situation in the Strait of Hormuz arose, many countries—including not only South Korea but also the United Kingdom, France, and Japan—had been dispatching key military assets such as destroyers and patrol aircraft to the Middle East and the Horn of Africa to provide ship escorts and support safe navigation.”

He continued, “Since the situation in the Strait of Hormuz arose, major countries have been showing signs of deploying additional naval vessels and aircraft,” adding, “Our government is also exploring the minimum necessary role to play, taking these factors into account.”

However, if the scope of the Cheonghae Unit’s operations is expanded to include the Strait of Hormuz in the future, a key issue is expected to be how to carry out the mission of protecting South Korean vessels while maintaining the principle of non-intervention in Middle Eastern conflicts. The need for National Assembly approval regarding changes to the mission and scope of operations may also be subject to review.

Director Wi stated, “Once specific plans are formulated, we will explain them transparently and clearly to the public and the National Assembly.”