Seoul: Forty South Korean nationals who are serving as onboard ship reserve service members are currently aboard ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the chief of the military manpower agency said, vowing to closely monitor their safety amid the Middle East conflict. The onboard ship reserve service allows qualified mariners and engineers to serve aboard commercial vessels for three years instead of the usual 18-month mandatory service at military units.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Hong So-young, chief of the Military Manpower Administration (MMA), revealed that forty personnel are aboard 17 ships in the Strait of Hormuz and continue their duties without requesting to leave their respective ships. Hong assured that the situation is being monitored daily in collaboration with the oceans ministry and an industry organization to ensure the safety and necessities of those aboard are met.

As of the end of February, there were 2,798 personnel deployed as onboard ship reserve service members, according to the MMA. The agency modifies the number of personnel each year in consultation with the oceans ministry to align with current needs.

Hong also mentioned that around 27 individuals, obligated to serve their mandatory military service and who had received short-term travel permits to visit the affected Middle East area in late February, have returned home safely. Hong, who became the MMA's first female chief in July last year, emphasized the agency's commitment to maintaining fairness in the process of mandatory military service and adapting to demographic changes anticipated to impact military manpower resources.