National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac drew a line on Sunday over the party responsible for the attack on the HMM-operated Nahmoo in the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "We cannot say it was Iran, and it does not seem to be the timing to go further and pinpoint who within Iran." At the same time, he emphasized, "We are keeping the probability, or the possibility, open and responding to all possibilities."
Appearing on KBS's "Sunday Diagnosis" the same day, Wi explained, "The necessary evidence has been brought to Seoul. The investigation is currently underway." Regarding the timing of the investigation results, he said, "It is difficult for us to predict the timing," adding that the probe would be expedited because "the matter is mainly military-related, so military technical institutions are looking into it."
Wi also referenced the Cheonan investigation. "Even in the case of the Cheonan, there were targets we could presume from the circumstances, but we conducted an investigation and identified the perpetrator accordingly," he said, reiterating, "We will respond just as swiftly." He added, "There are no other considerations whatsoever."
On how other countries that suffered attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have responded, Wi explained, "Most are condemning or criticizing without identifying the perpetrator," noting, "Excessive responses are generally not being made, and it is observed that they are responding in line with the investigation results."
Regarding the "appropriate diplomatic offensive" mentioned by a Foreign Ministry official, Wi said, "The intent is to hold those responsible accountable, prevent recurrence, and participate in building a system that allows more stable passage and navigation through the strait." He added, "We are reviewing and studying various methods."
On international cooperation to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, he said, "We are conducting various reviews on the level of participation," adding, "We will contribute and participate as much as needed."
On the possibility of bolstering the counter-drone system and deploying the Wang Geon destroyer — which departed for the Gulf of Aden on the 15th — to military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Wi answered, "We are not at that stage yet," adding, "We need to watch the ceasefire situation and the overall stabilization of conditions, and also see what impact it might have on the security of the region we prioritize most." Wi particularly noted, "This issue is not only a matter of public interest but also legally requires consultation with the National Assembly," adding, "We are seeking to make judgments at various stages by comprehensively reviewing domestic law, international law, and the security situation on the Korean Peninsula."
Regarding discussions on the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON) between South Korea and the United States, he said, "Inter-military consultations are continuing, and there is no major difference in the conditions or timing (for the transfer)," adding, "Fundamentally, it is a political decision." He continued, "Between the two countries, there is no gap of five to 10 years (regarding the transfer timing); (the views) are close."
This is interpreted to mean that while the roadmap on the transfer conditions and timing envisioned by Seoul and Washington is close enough to be sufficiently coordinated, reaching a final agreement requires political judgment at the summit level.
On concerns that movements by US Forces Korea in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait could become a diplomatic issue between Seoul and Beijing, he said, "If the framework of the (South Korea-US) agreement and the wisdom of its operation are utilized, it is a matter that can be coordinated so that we are not drawn into conflicts we do not want, and it is not a major concern."
Asked whether the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system deployed in South Korea had been moved to the Middle East due to the recent Iran war, he answered, "There seems to be a misunderstanding on that as well. While some parts and materials have been moved, there has been no movement of major equipment, including THAAD."
Regarding the recent controversy over US restrictions on sharing North Korea-related intelligence, he said, "There is no problem with intelligence exchange between South Korea and the United States, and although there is a very partial impact, this too will be resolved," adding, "Many consultations are taking place behind the scenes, and there has been some progress." He also added, "Along with this, we are working to ensure that issues such as enrichment and reprocessing and nuclear-powered submarines between South Korea and the United States can be discussed in earnest," continuing, "We will make sure to report good news soon."
