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South Korea to announce probe results into attack on vessel in Strait of Hormuz

27 May 2026 13:52 (UTC +04:00)

The Seoul government was set to announce the outcome of its probe into a recent attack on a South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, officials said Wednesday, Yonhap reports.

A press briefing will be held later in the day at the foreign ministry, according to ministry officials.

On May 4, the HMM Namu, operated by major South Korean shipping company HMM Co., was hit by "two unidentified airborne objects" while stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Iran conflict.

A government investigation team has since conducted an in-depth analysis of engine debris recovered from the objects to determine their nature and identify those responsible for the incident.

"The ministry plans to hold a press briefing on the results of the investigation into the HMM Namu incident at 5 p.m.," the foreign ministry said in a message to reporters.

First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo plans to lead the briefing, with officials from the defense ministry and other relevant agencies expected to attend, it added.

The attack caused an explosion and fire aboard the ship, leaving one of the 24 crew members with minor injuries.

Speculation has persisted that either anti-ship missiles or drones may have been used in the attack on the vessel, with sources saying anti-ship missiles appear more likely to have been involved.

Attention is now focused on whether the ministry will officially identify the party responsible for the attack.