South Korea Calls for Further Review of Strike on Vessel in Hormuz

(MENAFN) South Korea has said that additional investigation is required into a recent incident involving a strike on a South Korean-linked vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, with authorities stating that responsibility for the attack has not yet been confirmed, according to local media reports.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun noted that the government is still assessing the situation carefully before drawing conclusions, saying, “There are still things we need to look into more carefully, and we will need to make a judgment after reviewing them cautiously,” as reported by a news agency.

His comments came amid domestic political criticism from the opposition People Power Party (PPP), which accused the government of failing to take a stronger stance on the incident and of avoiding direct attribution of blame. Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok argued that earlier government assessments had suggested a low likelihood of an attack and questioned the administration’s handling of the case, saying, “(The government) has no willingness whatsoever to protect the safety and property of the people,” during a party leadership meeting.

The incident in question involved the Panama-flagged cargo ship HMM Namu, which is operated by South Korean shipping company HMM Co.. Authorities said the vessel was struck by two unidentified airborne objects, which caused an explosion and fire last week.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has stated that an investigative team reviewed the damage and confirmed the nature of the strike, but officials have not yet identified who carried out the attack.

The findings have intensified debate within the country over maritime security risks in the region and the government’s response strategy.

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