On May 11, the Blue House strongly condemned the attack on the HMM Namu, saying assaults on civilian vessels cannot be justified or tolerated under any circumstances. It announced additional investigations to identify the attacker and said it will review appropriate response measures. The government pledged to expand protections for South Korean ships and seafarers and to continue coordinating with international partners. It maintained a cautious stance on reported Iranian involvement, calling that possibility unknown at this time.
Wi Seong-rak: We'll double efforts to strengthen safety for our crew and vessels
National Security Office Director Wi Seong-rak told reporters at the Chungryungwan that a joint government investigation team conducted an on-site probe. After an NSC working-level coordination meeting the previous afternoon, the Foreign Ministry briefed the investigation’s findings.
Investigators determined the Namu was struck twice at roughly one-minute intervals by two unidentified aerial objects. Wi said the strikes produced impacts followed by flames, smoke and vibration, and that the ship sustained damage on its upper hull about 1 to 1.5 meters above the waterline.
He added that, given the blast-pressure damage patterns and the hemispherical penetration shapes observed, a mine or torpedo strike is unlikely.
The government said further investigation is needed to determine the type of aerial platform used and who carried out the attack. Wi said officials require more precise information on the aerial objects and will pursue additional probes to identify the attacker, the exact platform involved and its dimensions.
The government has classified the incident as a serious attack on a civilian vessel and said it will deepen cooperation with the international community. \"Attacks on civilian vessels like the HMM Namu cannot be justified or tolerated,\" Wi said.
He added that Seoul will keep communicating with partner countries to prevent a recurrence and will redouble efforts to protect South Korean seafarers and ships operating in nearby waters.
Seoul also said it will continue participating in international efforts to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation for all vessels, including those flagged to South Korea.
Blue House official: We haven't identified the attacker; considering multiple countries
The Blue House said it cannot yet determine whether Iran was involved. A senior official said any Iranian connection remains unknown and that identifying the attacker will require more time. The official characterized the Foreign Ministry's meeting with Iranian Ambassador Seyed Koucheji as a discussion rather than a summons.
He rejected Iranian media claims that the Namu violated navigation rules, saying the HMM Namu was anchored and stationary. The ship had been shifted slightly farther from its original position toward the channel and had remained stopped since April 30, he said, noting that being stationary for several days does not constitute a rules violation.
Asked whether authorities initially downplayed the possibility of a strike, the official said they never ruled out a strike but were cautious about concluding one without thorough investigation.
\"We thought it prudent to withhold judgment and conduct a detailed investigation to avoid the consequences of a mistaken assessment,\" he said. Ultimately, the on-site team submitted an expert forensic report that enabled officials to reach a determination.
He also pushed back on suggestions the incident would accelerate South Korea's participation in the U.S.-led maritime freedom initiative (MFC). \"It's premature to link the strike directly to MFC participation,\" the official said, adding that with the attacker still unidentified, Seoul is considering how best to join international efforts to ensure free and safe passage through the strait.
