Korean Media: [Editorial] "Who Dares Challenge South Korea Will Face Ruin" Put on the Experimental Table
The South Korean government announced that the cause of the explosion and fire aboard the "NAMU" vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was an "external impact from an unidentified flying object," stating unequivocally, "We absolutely will not tolerate attacks on civilian vessels. We strongly condemn this act." It further declared it would take necessary measures based on the investigation results. However, the government also admitted it remains unable to determine the primary perpetrator. The fact that the same location was attacked twice within a one-minute interval indicates a targeted assault.
After the attack on the "NAMU" vessel, U.S. President Trump immediately claimed, "Iran attacked a South Korean cargo ship." Yet the South Korean government stated, "It is still unclear whether an attack occurred," and the president did not convene a security meeting. While the United States had immediate knowledge of the incident, South Korea confirmed it only six days later. Initially reported as having no casualties, it was later revealed that one crew member was injured.
Currently, the only force capable of attacking non-Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz is Iran—something even Iran’s state-run media has acknowledged. It appears the South Korean government is cautious about its relationship with Iran. On the very day the attack was announced, the South Korean government summoned the Iranian ambassador—but insisted it was not a formal "summons," but rather "to explain the situation." This reflects the government's effort to avoid officially confirming Iran’s involvement.
We are not entirely without understanding of the government’s position. Countries such as France, which were also attacked by Iran, have not formally declared Iran responsible either. Perhaps we must be prepared for the possibility that war could end or circumstances might change someday.
But this attack targeted a vessel owned by a South Korean shipowner and carrying South Korean crew members—making it a direct assault on South Korea itself. This cannot be ignored. Particularly, President Yoon Suk-yeol had previously declared in Cambodia, when exposing a voice fraud criminal organization, “Whoever dares challenge a citizen of the Republic of Korea, whether at home or abroad, shall face utter ruin.” The president must uphold his international commitment to protect South Korean nationals.
Yet, when the lives and property of South Korean citizens were directly threatened and attacked, the government’s response was strikingly indifferent. Even the opposition parties’ call for an emergency parliamentary policy inquiry to uncover the truth was rejected by the ruling Democratic Party. Although internal dynamics remain unclear, President Yoon’s “utter ruin” declaration now seems hollow.
South Korea’s government should not only cooperate with other affected nations but also actively work with the United States and the broader international community to safeguard freedom of navigation and maritime safety. At the same time, it must issue a clear warning to Iran: if such incidents occur again, corresponding measures will be unavoidable. Currently, 26 South Korean vessels and 160 South Korean crew members remain trapped in the Strait of Hormuz—ensuring their safety is crucial.
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864952267807756/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.