▲ National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac speaks during a forum in central Seoul on May 13, 2026. (Yonhap)

(LEAD) security adviser-Hormuz Strait

(LEAD) Seoul mulling possible role in U.S. freedom of navigation initiative in Hormuz: security adviser

(ATTN: ADDS more comments in paras 7-15, 17)

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is reviewing a possible role in a U.S. initiative aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a senior presidential official said Wednesday.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac made the remarks following an apparent attack on a South Korean-operated vessel last week in the crucial waterway that has effectively been shut down since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

"Regarding efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a review is underway on the United States' Maritime Freedom Construct," Wi said in a forum in Seoul.

Washington has proposed an international coalition, called "Maritime Freedom Construct," aimed at ensuring free navigation of the shipping route.

Wi's remarks came after Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told his U.S. counterpart during talks at the Pentagon this week that Seoul will review making phased contributions to Washington's efforts to restore passage in the strait.

Wi noted that Seoul is actively taking part in multinational efforts related to the strait, citing President Lee Jae Myung's participation in an online summit led by France and Britain last month to discuss ways to ensure safe passage in the strait.

Asked about the possibility of military involvement in such efforts, he said there could be "various levels of military role," although no decision has been made. "We are in the stage of (studying) to what extent (we) can participate, beginning with a low stage."

Regarding the explosion and fire on the South Korean-operated vessel in the strait last week, Wi said the government has so far found no evidence that drones were involved in the strike the vessel sustained.

On Sunday, Seoul announced that two unidentified flying objects had struck the vessel, leaving a 7-meter-wide rupture in its hull.

"It could have been missiles (or other things) ... we are currently keeping all possibilities open," he said, adding that a final determination will be made after further investigations.

Earlier this week, the national security adviser officially condemned the attack on the vessel, the HMM Namu, saying any attacks on civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be tolerated.

He did not, however, identify who was responsible for the attack, saying further investigations were needed.

The decision to issue a condemnation without identifying the perpetrator was part of a "broad (diplomatic) custom," and the recent message was intended to "sound an alarm and apply some pressure to prevent a recurrence," he noted.

"As we have only limited information on whether drones or other means were involved, we cannot point a finger (at this stage)," Wi said.

He said South Korea is currently conducting its investigation into the incident alone, but left open the possibility of cooperating with other countries if necessary.

Meanwhile, Wi noted plans to complete a roadmap this year for the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the U.S. to South Korea. Seoul is reportedly seeking to retake OPCON in 2028.

The official added that he saw no significant differences between Seoul and Washington with regard to the conditions or timeline for the planned transfer.

He also pledged efforts to repair frayed inter-Korean ties and encourage China and Russia to play a constructive role on Korean Peninsula-related issues.

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