South Korea security chief outlines Hormuz Strait role, US drone talks

South Korea’s National Security Office chief, Wi Seong‑rak, said the government is reviewing various options to help stabilize the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the country’s economy and security. He noted that while the United States has not made a concrete request for the deployment of military assets, discussions are ongoing and Korea is assessing what it can offer, including possible parliamentary and public consensus.

He also addressed a recent incident in which a U.S. unmanned aircraft participating in joint drills near Paju was mistakenly identified as a North Korean plane, stating that South Korea had already been aware of the drone’s flight plan and that there was no breakdown in military discipline. Additionally, Wi expressed concern over reported Russia‑North Korea military cooperation, urging compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and calling for a reduction of any illegal collaboration.

The remarks were made during a press briefing in Buenos Aires while the Korean delegation was visiting Argentina with President Lee Jae‑myung.