Blue House: "Attacks on Civilian Vessels Like HMM Namu Cannot Be Tolerated... Strongly Condemn"

"Two Unidentified Flying Objects Struck Twice at One-Minute Intervals"

"Further Investigation to Identify Perpetrator and Object Type"

"Continued Participation in International Efforts... Enhanced Safety for Korean Vessels and Crew"

National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac stated in relation to the attack on the HMM Namu vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, "Our government’s position is that attacks on civilian vessels, including the HMM Namu, can never be justified or tolerated," adding, "We strongly condemn this act." He also announced plans to consider follow-up measures depending on the results of further investigations.

On the 29th, when President Lee Jae-myung commuted to the Blue House, officially marking the start of the Blue House era again after 3 years and 7 months, the phoenix flag was raised at the Blue House in Seoul. 2025.12.29 Photo by Cho Yongjun

On the 11th, Advisor Wi held a press briefing and, referring again to the previous day's Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefing, explained, "Two unidentified flying objects struck the outer hull of the vessel twice at one-minute intervals. After the impact, fire and smoke ensued as a result of the strike. At the time of the incident, the ship sustained damage approximately 1 to 1.5 meters above the waterline." He continued, "Considering the pattern and shape of the damage caused by the blast pressure, it appears unlikely that the vessel was struck by a mine or torpedo."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously announced the results of an on-site investigation by the government’s joint investigation team on the HMM Namu following a working-level meeting of the National Security Council (NSC).

However, additional investigation is required to determine concrete information about the attacker and the flying objects. Advisor Wi stated, "More precise information on the flying objects requires further investigation," and added, "Through additional investigation, our government aims to identify the perpetrator of the attack, the exact model, and the physical size of the flying objects."

The government plans to review follow-up measures based on the results of the additional investigation. Advisor Wi said, "We will consider necessary actions depending on the outcome of the further investigation."

The Blue House’s current stance officially defines the Namu incident not as a simple accident but as an attack by external flying objects, while remaining cautious about specifying the perpetrator. The message strongly condemns attacks on civilian vessels, but reflects a desire to avoid escalating diplomatic or security tensions before the party responsible is conclusively identified.

Since the type, size, and launcher of the flying objects have not been confirmed, it is likely that the government's response level will also be determined by the results of further investigation. If the perpetrator is identified, the direction of follow-up actions such as diplomatic protests, international cooperation, and measures to protect vessels may also change.

Yonhap News Agency

Additionally, Advisor Wi announced that the government will strengthen efforts to prevent recurrence and ensure the safety of vessels. The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route directly linked to Korea’s crude oil supply and the global maritime logistics network. In light of the HMM Namu incident, attention is focused on the extent to which the government will participate in future international discussions on protecting maritime transport routes.

Until now, the government has agreed in principle to the freedom of navigation and the safety of international maritime transport routes, while maintaining a cautious approach in consideration of defense readiness on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures. This incident is expected to further weigh on those deliberations.

Advisor Wi stated, "To prevent such incidents from recurring, we will continue to communicate closely with relevant agencies and redouble our efforts to enhance the safety of all Korean vessels and seafarers located in nearby straits." He added, "We will also continue to participate in the international community’s efforts to ensure the safety and free passage of all vessels, including our own."

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