Wi Sung-rak, Director of the Office of National Security, gives a briefing in the Cheong Wa Dae briefing room on the 16th about the overseas itinerary of the President. 2026.04.16 Cheong Wa Dae Photo Press Corps

Cheong Wa Dae stated on the 11th, regarding confirmation that the Korean vessel Namu, which had been anchored in the Strait of Hormuz in Iran, was struck by two unidentified aerial objects, that “our government holds the position that attacks on civilian vessels cannot be justified or tolerated, and we strongly condemn this.”

Director of the Office of National Security Wi Sung-rak mentioned this at a Cheong Wa Dae briefing that day and said, “Through additional investigation, we will identify the party responsible for the attack, the exact type, and the physical size, and accordingly we will also consider the necessary response measures.”

Wi said, “Two unidentified aerial objects struck the aft outer hull of the Namu twice at intervals of about one minute, and flames and smoke accompanied by vibration occurred,” and explained, “Given that at the time of the incident there was damage to the upper section 1∼1.5ｍ above the sea surface, and considering the damage pattern, the possibility of a hit by a mine or torpedo appears low.” He added, “Further investigation is needed regarding information on the aerial objects.”

Wi said, “To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, we will communicate with the relevant countries and redouble efforts to strengthen the safety of our vessels and crew located in nearby straits,” and added, “We will continue to join the efforts of the international community to ensure the safety of all vessels, including those of Korea, and the freedom of navigation.”

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official said, “It is clear that attacks on ordinary merchant vessels are subject to condemnation, but at this stage we are not identifying the party behind the attack and are working to make that identification,” and added, “We will take measures at an appropriate level as soon as a determination is reached.”

Regarding whether the possibility had increased of South Korea joining the Maritime Freedom Concept (MFC), a multilateral security consultative body proposed by the United States to ensure navigational safety in the Strait of Hormuz, the official answered, “I do not think it should necessarily be directly connected to that extent.”