Per Chosun Ilbo, Wi said the government is 'reviewing possible contribution options' on Hormuz while noting 'no specific demand from the U.S.'

The strait is a key artery for global crude; when Middle East tensions rise, safe passage becomes an international issue, with direct stakes for import-reliant Korea.

The government is keeping non-military options such as merchant protection and navigation safety open while treading carefully around steps that could risk escalation.

Parts of the opposition are wary of a slide into a troop-dispatch debate, so parliamentary discussion is expected.

The Bridge Times reports security issues by the yardstick of public safety and the economy, not any camp's slogans.