The Presidential Office issued a strong condemnation after the explosion aboard Korean vessel HMM Nammu was confirmed to have been caused by an external attack.
"Our government's position is that attacks on civilian vessels such as the Nammu cannot be justified or tolerated," National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said at a press briefing at the Presidential Office Tuesday. "We strongly condemn it."
However, a senior Presidential Office official said, "While it is clear that the attack on a commercial vessel is subject to condemnation, we (the government) are not currently identifying the party responsible for the attack. We will respond at an appropriate level once we reach a conclusion."
Future response measures will also be considered based on the investigation's findings, the official added. "We will also communicate with relevant countries to prevent such incidents from recurring, and redouble our efforts to strengthen the safety of Korean vessels and crew members in nearby straits," Wi said. "We will continue to join the international community's efforts to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation of all vessels, including those from Korea."
