Seoul "Strongly Condemns" Recent Attack on Cargo Ship in Hormuz

Why It Matters

The attack threatens a critical global shipping lane and could inflame tensions among South Korea, the United States, and Iran, driving policy and naval responses.

Key Takeaways

• South Korea condemns attack on HMM Namu cargo ship in Hormuz.
• Unidentified aircraft, not mines or torpedoes, caused the vessel fire.
• Blue House investigating origin, size, and type of attacking objects.
• Seoul urges international navigation safety and increased protection for its fleet.
• U.S. claims Iran involvement remain unverified; diplomatic talks ongoing.

Summary

The Blue House issued a strong condemnation after an attack on the South Korean container ship HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz, attributing the fire to an unidentified aircraft.

Officials said two aircraft were responsible, ruling out mines or torpedoes based on the damage pattern; the investigation continues on the launch origin, object size, and type.

A senior official noted no definitive attribution yet, mentioning U.S. President Trump's claim of Iranian involvement, which Seoul says remains unverified despite communications with Washington.

The incident underscores regional maritime security risks, prompting Seoul to push for broader international safeguards and heightened protection for Korean vessels operating in contested waterways.

Original Description

청와대 "나무호 등 민간선박에 대한 공격 강력 규탄"… 공격 주체 등 추가 조사 중

The Blue House has strongly condemned last week's attack on a South Korean container ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Having confirmed that an unidentified aircraft was the cause of the recent fire on the container ship, Seoul is still learning about who is behind the attacks.

Yoon Jung-min reports.

The day after a set of attacks was identified as the cause of the recent fire on a South Korean cargo ship stranded in Hormuz, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac sent out a strong condemnation.

"Our government strongly condemns any attack on civilian ships, including HMM Namu, as it is not justifiable or acceptable."

The Korean government has confirmed that attacks by two unidentified aircraft were behind last week's fire on the cargo vessel.

It is still learning about the details, including the source of the attack.

"Given the pattern of the damage and the hemispherical-shaped area of penetration, the chances of a mine or torpedo attack appear to be low."

The chief adviser added that Seoul will take a further look into the origin of the launch as well as the exact type and physical size of the objects.

Wi added that Seoul will double its efforts to secure the safety of Korean sailors and vessels near the Strait and continue its efforts to join an international move to guarantee the safety of all vessels and freedom of navigation.

A senior-level official at the top office noted that the authorities are not at the stage of specifying the origin of the attack, and appropriate levels of measures will be taken after the probe is concluded.

When asked about any involvement by Iran, the official said it's in an "unknown area."

On U.S. President Donald Trump accusing Tehran of firing at the Korean ship soon after the incident, the senior Blue House official added that they have communicated with Washington, but it remains unclear on what grounds Trump has made such a statement.

Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.

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2026-05-11, 20:00 (KST)