National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Tuesday that the government will "conduct further investigation to identify the perpetrator" of the attack on HMM's Namu vessel. "The government's position is that attacks on civilian vessels cannot be justified or tolerated," he stressed. "We strongly condemn this."
"Considering the shape and location of the penetration, the possibility of being struck by a mine or torpedo appears low," Wi said at a press briefing. The government plans to conduct further analysis of projectile engine fragments recovered from the scene.
A senior Presidential Office official explained the earlier assessment that downplayed the possibility of an attack, saying, "Rather than making a wrong judgment, we reserved our judgment." The official added, "It was much later that we recognized the possibility of an attack." On the 6th of this month, the Presidential Office had said, "An attack is not certain."
Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's claim immediately after the fire that the vessel had been "attacked," the official was measured, saying, "We have not heard what the basis is." The official also drew a line, stating, "Whether Iran is involved is currently unknown territory."
