(EDITORIAL from The Korea Times on May 12)

A resolute response to maritime attack: Those accountable should offer proper apology, compensation for strikes On Sunday, the government announced that HMM Namu, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier operated by Korean shipping company HMM, was struck by two unidentified objects while anchored off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The announcement came days after Seoul dispatched a seven-member fact-finding team to investigate the damaged vessel in Dubai, where it had been towed. The delegation included three experts from the Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal and four officials from the National Fire Agency. During a briefing on the government's findings, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ship's stern was hit twice, one minute apart. The first strike triggered a fire in the engine room, and the second caused the blaze to spread further, according to the ministry. The ministry stopped short of identifying the country responsible for the attack. It said the unidentified objects were captured in surveillance footage, but investigators were unable to determine the exact type, size or origin of the weapons used. Nevertheless, circumstantial evidence has fueled speculation that Iran may have been involved. Shortly before the briefing, Iranian Ambassador to Korea Saeed Koozechi was seen entering the foreign ministry building. The envoy declined to answer questions regarding the purpose of his visit. His timing — arriving at the ministry on Sunday shortly before the government unveiled the results of the investigation — prompted speculation that the visit may have been related to the maritime incident. The foreign ministry later said it had explained the investigation's findings to the Iranian envoy, though it did not clarify whether Koozechi had been formally summoned. Iran and the United States have made opposing claims in the aftermath of the explosion aboard HMM Namu. U. S. President Donald Trump alleged that Iran was responsible for the attack. "They were not in the cavalcade of ships they had. They decided to go it alone, and their ship got hell knocked out of it yesterday, but they didn't shoot the ships that were guarded by us," Trump said on May 5, one day after the incident. Iran strongly denied the accusation. In a statement, the Iranian Embassy in Seoul said it "firmly rejects and categorically denies" any allegations that Iranian military forces were involved. However, conflicting commentary emerged from Iran's state-affiliated media. On Wednesday, Press TV published a column appearing to justify the strikes. "The targeting of a South Korean vessel that violates the new maritime rules defined by the Islamic Republic served as an unambiguous signal," the article read. Tehran later distanced itself from the piece, saying it reflected the opinion of an individual rather than the official position of the Iranian government. Whether Iran, the United States or another country entirely was responsible, the attack on HMM Namu represents a serious violation of freedom of navigation. Six of the ship's 24 crew members are Korean nationals. One sailor, whose nationality has not been disclosed, reportedly suffered a neck injury, while the remaining crew members were unharmed. It was fortunate that no lives were lost, but that does not diminish the seriousness of the attack. The impacts caused extensive damage to the vessel and are expected to result in significant financial losses for the Korean operator. Such an act is unacceptable. The Korean government should continue its investigation to determine who was responsible for the attack. Once the responsible party is identified, Korea must respond firmly and hold that country accountable. Seoul should seek compensation for both the human and material damage caused by the incident, while also demanding an apology and assurances that there will be no further attacks. Earlier, President Lee Jae Myung issued a warning to foreign actors targeting Korean nationals abroad. "Mess with Koreans, ruin your and your families' lives," he wrote on social media in response to the growing number of Koreans falling victim to scam operations in Cambodia. The remark sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the president's language was crude and undiplomatic. Nevertheless, the underlying message was clear: The Korean government will not remain passive when its citizens are threatened by foreign actors. The attack on HMM Namu is a litmus test for whether the Lee administration is prepared to uphold that principle. Lee should match his words with action. The presidential office condemned the ship attack. National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac told reporters that maritime attacks on civilian vessels are unacceptable, adding that they cannot be justified under any circumstances. Wi said Korea would work closely with other countries involved and step up efforts to protect Korean ships and sailors in the region.(END)