by Son Seonhee
Published 29 Apr.2026 17:48(KST)
While Korean vessels remain detained in the Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on April 29 that it is "actively seeking ways to resolve the current situation," following the recent passage of a Japanese oil tanker through the strait.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on this day, "We are communicating and cooperating with the relevant countries from various angles, taking into consideration the safety of the vessels and the positions of the shipping companies." The official explained that this includes bilateral consultations between the governments of South Korea and Iran. Additionally, the official reiterated the government's fundamental position that, "In accordance with relevant international norms, the free navigation and safety of all vessels, including Korean ships, in the Strait of Hormuz must be guaranteed as soon as possible."
In relation to this, Special Envoy Jeong Byungha from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was dispatched to Iran starting on the 11th of this month, and on the 22nd (local time), met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the issue of Korean vessels’ passage. However, as of now, no significant movement by Korean ships has been observed.
According to local Iranian media, a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) registered in Panama and owned by a Japanese company passed through the Strait of Hormuz on this day, carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil. It is reported that although no separate transit fee was paid, the vessel had obtained permission from Iranian authorities. Japanese media outlets welcomed the development, calling it an "achievement of the Japanese government’s negotiations." Earlier this month, three other Japan-related vessels also passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
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