Major Maritime Policy Priorities Confirmed in South Korea After Corvette Attack

The South Korean authorities have made an official statement regarding the country's maritime policy priorities following the incident with the corvette Cheonan, which sank in the Yellow Sea in March 2010.

The South Korean Navy corvette PCC-772 "Cheonan" sank as a result of a torpedo attack from North Korea, as confirmed by international investigations. Of the 104 crew members, 46 were killed. According to the commission's findings, the vessel was destroyed by a heavy acoustic torpedo "CHT-02D" with a warhead weighing 250 kg, manufactured in North Korea. The torpedo was presumably launched by a "Yono" class submarine accompanied by a "Sango" class boat[1][8].

In response, the South Korean government has intensified maritime operations to strengthen the security of its maritime borders and enhance the protection of the navy. Key priorities include:

• Development of early detection systems and countermeasures against underwater threats.
• Modernization of naval forces with a focus on anti-torpedo defense.
• Expansion of cooperation with international partners to ensure stability in the region.
• Strengthening strategic control in coastal areas and maritime approaches to regional countries.

The incident with the corvette significantly escalated tensions between North and South Korea and drew international condemnation of North Korea's actions. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern over the situation and called for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict[1].

Thus, the tragedy of the "Cheonan" has become an important impetus for the development of South Korea's maritime policy, aimed at preventing similar threats and maintaining the security of maritime communications in a strategically significant region.