Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop: "Consideration Needed for Renaming Hong Beom-do Ship"

Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop mentioned the possibility of changing the name of the Navy submarine ‘Hong Beom-do Ham’ on the 4th.

On the same day, during the National Assembly Budget and Accounts Committee, when asked by Ki Dong-min, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, about changing the name of Hong Beom-do Ham, Minister Lee said, "The Ministry of National Defense also believes that a review of the name Hong Beom-do Ham is necessary." He also added, "I understand that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, on the premise that it is his personal opinion, has said that there is a need to change it."

The Ministry of National Defense had previously stated a position of ‘will review if necessary’ regarding the name change of Hong Beom-do Ham, but Minister Lee’s remarks go a step further than that.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding this, Minister Lee also mentioned listening to opinions from the Navy and others. He said, "We will listen to opinions, hear the Navy’s position, and if necessary, consider changing the name." He also clarified that Hong Beom-do Ham is the only Navy vessel currently under review for a name change. He said, "We have reviewed all Navy vessels that could potentially cause controversy regarding their names," and added, "As far as I know, except for Hong Beom-do Ham, there are none at present."

Hong Beom-do Ham is a submarine that was launched in February 2016 during the Park Geun-hye administration.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.