Wi Seong-nak: "U.S. 'Project Freedom' Suspended... No Further Need to Consider Participation"

Cautious Stance on Possible Attack Against Korean Vessel
"No Flooding or Listing Detected"
Regarding U.S. Pressure to Join 'Project Freedom':
"Comments Appear Based on Presumed Attack on Korean Ship"
"U.S. Maritime Freedom Initiative B

On May 6, Director of the National Security Office Wi Seongrak stated regarding the so-called "Project Freedom" proposed by the United States in relation to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, "With the conclusion of this operation, further review is no longer necessary."

Ye Seongrak, Director of the National Security Office, is explaining President Lee Jae-myung's overseas trip schedule at the Blue House press conference hall on April 16, 2026. Photo by Blue House Press Photographers Team, Yonhap News Agency

Director Wi held a press briefing at Chunchugwan on the same day and said, "We had been reviewing the concept of maritime freedom and were also considering Project Freedom. However, this morning, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that, considering progress toward a final agreement with Iran, the maritime blockade would be maintained, but Project Freedom would be temporarily suspended." He explained this as the reason for halting the review.

However, regarding the separate "Maritime Freedom Initiative" proposed by the United States, Director Wi stated, "We are comprehensively considering various conditions, including our basic position on the strait, readiness for contingencies on the Korean Peninsula, and domestic legal procedures." He continued, "The safety of international maritime routes and freedom of navigation are extremely important for us. We are reviewing international efforts to safeguard this freedom of navigation and intend to participate and cooperate as necessary." He added, "On that basis, we have already joined the UK and France's initiatives as well as the UN Security Council resolutions."

Regarding the fire that broke out on the Namwoo, a vessel anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on the 4th, Director Wi said, "The fire has been extinguished, and it has been confirmed that none of the 24 crew members, including six Korean nationals, were harmed." He added, "The government is currently working to analyze and assess the cause of the ship fire. The vessel is under tow, and it is expected to arrive at the port around dawn tomorrow (Korean time). After that, an investigation team will visit the site for further assessment."

Director Wi took a cautious stance regarding the possibility of an attack, which was raised in the early stages of the fire. He said, "Initially, there were mentions of a possible attack, and we even considered holding a National Security Council (NSC) working-level meeting with this possibility in mind. However, after further information review, it was determined that an attack was not confirmed." He continued, "There was no flooding or listing of the vessel. For now, we are not convening the working-level meeting, but are monitoring the situation and responding through other communication channels." He also added, "At the same time, we are communicating through diplomatic channels with the United States, UAE, Iran, and other relevant countries."

Regarding the possible link between President Trump's claim that Korea's cargo vessel was exposed to an Iranian attack while operating alone and the pressure to participate in "Project Freedom," Director Wi explained, "Although it is not certain, it seems that such remarks from the U.S. are based on the premise that our vessel was attacked." He further stated, "We are also working to verify the relationship between the U.S. Maritime Freedom Initiative and Project Freedom."

Director Wi said, "It seems that the Maritime Freedom Initiative is a broader approach aimed at stabilizing the strait and ensuring freedom of passage, while Project Freedom appears to be an immediate support operation for passage through the strait. We are conducting relevant reviews regarding these U.S. requests, based on our position on strait navigation."

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