National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks during a press conference in this April 16 file photo. Yonhap
The suspension of "Project Freedom," a U.S. operation to escort ships through the Iran-controlled Strait of Hormuz, has made it unnecessary for Seoul to review whether to participate, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Wednesday.
The national security adviser made the remarks in a meeting with reporters shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the project would be paused for a short period of time, just days after it began.
"Because the operation has been halted, (a review of whether to participate) has become not necessarily needed," he said, adding that Seoul had planned to review the matter.
Wi said no signs have been found so far that the Korean-operated ship, which suffered a blast and fire in the Strait of Hormuz, had sustained an attack.
A blast and fire were reported aboard the vessel, Namu, operated by major Korean shipping firm HMM on Monday while it was anchored in waters off the United Arab Emirates.
The possibility of the vessel being attacked had initially been mentioned, and Cheong Wae Dae had once taken the possibility into account, but information so far has not indicated any supporting evidence, he noted.
Source: Korea Times News
