(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on April 6) | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK Why Korean ships remain stranded in Hormuz French and Japanese vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz last weekend despite its closure following the outbreak of war involving Iran. Tehran has allowed passage for ships from friendly countries such as China and Russia, and the Philippine government stated that it also secured safe transit. A broader and more coordinated response by mobilizing diplomatic, economic and logistical resources is needed to address both immediate challenges and longer-term risks. (END) Keywords #dailies-editorials Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee says S. Army chief, raising expectations for role over Korea security Seoul cites differing circumstances of ships, countries after Japan-linked vessels transit Strait of Hormuz Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos N.

## Article Content
Facebook
X
More
Pinterest
Linked in
Tumblr
Reddit
Facebook Messenger
Copy URL
URL is copied.
OK
Why Korean ships remain stranded in Hormuz
French and Japanese vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz last weekend despite its closure following the outbreak of war involving Iran. Tehran has allowed passage for ships from friendly countries such as China and Russia, and the Philippine government stated that it also secured safe transit. These cases suggest that those countries engaged in swift, targeted negotiations with Iran, which has imposed selective controls on maritime traffic rather than a complete blockade.
In contrast, 26 Korean vessels remain stranded in international waters near the strait, with about 170 crew members unable to leave. The situation highlights the limited progress achieved so far through Korea's diplomatic efforts.
Korea has engaged Iran through multiple channels, but the results have been minimal. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on March 23 to request guarantees for safe passage. Two days later, the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee met with Iranian Ambassador to Korea Saeed Koozechi. But aside from one trainee seafarer returning home by air, there has been little visible progress.
Japan's response offers a useful comparison. Like Korea, Japan is a U.S. ally facing pressure related to the conflict. However, Tokyo activated independent communication channels with Tehran in the early stages of the crisis, allowing it to move ahead with negotiations more quickly. Diplomatic observers say Japan made active use of high-level contacts, including Araghchi, who previously served as ambassador to Japan.
Although Japan has publicly framed the outcome as a result of corporate-level coordination, it is difficult to assume that private companies alone could secure such arrangements with Iranian authorities. Japan's longstanding economic and energy cooperation with Iran likely contributed to its ability to obtain favorable treatment in this case.
Despite worsening hostilities between the United States and Iran, the fact that selective transit through the Hormuz is now being permitted is significant. It suggests that diplomatic engagement can still produce results under constrained conditions.
Securing safe passage for Korean vessels will depend on the government's ability to intensify negotiations and pursue practical solutions. Establishing information-sharing mechanisms with countries such as Japan and France, which have successfully navigated the situation, could provide valuable guidance.
At the same time, disruptions to crude oil supply are adding to inflationary pressure. The government has moved to secure priority oil imports from the United Arab Emirates, but this alone is unlikely to be sufficient. A broader and more coordinated response by mobilizing diplomatic, economic and logistical resources is needed to address both immediate challenges and longer-term risks.
(END)
Keywords
#dailies-editorials
Articles with issue keywords
Most Liked
Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel
Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me'
BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP
(URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim'
(LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break
Most Saved
Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel
Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me'
(LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S.
(3rd LD) Lee says S. Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz
(5th LD) S. Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz
Most Viewed
All Categories
Military helicopter mistakenly enters DMZ during wildfire operation last month
Lee voices hope for peace in Easter message
Samsung owner family to complete 12 tln-won inheritance tax payments this month
Ex-8th Army commander appointed as acting U.S. Army chief, raising expectations for role over Korea security
Seoul cites differing circumstances of ships, countries after Japan-linked vessels transit Strait of Hormuz
Most Viewed More
Most Viewed Photos
N. Korea's premier inspects cement factory
BTS-themed musical fountain
Black Eagles in Yeouido
Cherry blossom festival
prev
(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on April 6)
Next
(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on April 6)

---

## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- The situation highlights the limited progress achieved so far through Korea's diplomatic efforts.
- But aside from one trainee seafarer returning home by air, there has been little visible progress.
- Despite worsening hostilities between the United States and Iran, the fact that selective transit through the Hormuz is now being permitted is significant.
- Establishing information-sharing mechanisms with countries such as Japan and France, which have successfully navigated the situation, could provide valuable guidance.

### Areas for Consideration
- Although Japan has publicly framed the outcome as a result of corporate-level coordination, it is difficult to assume that private companies alone could secure such arrangements with Iranian authorities.
- A broader and more coordinated response by mobilizing diplomatic, economic and logistical resources is needed to address both immediate challenges and longer-term risks. (END) Keywords #dailies-editorials Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee says S.

### Implications
- Although Japan has publicly framed the outcome as a result of corporate-level coordination, it is difficult to assume that private companies alone could secure such arrangements with Iranian authorities.
- Securing safe passage for Korean vessels will depend on the government's ability to intensify negotiations and pursue practical solutions.
- Establishing information-sharing mechanisms with countries such as Japan and France, which have successfully navigated the situation, could provide valuable guidance.
- A broader and more coordinated response by mobilizing diplomatic, economic and logistical resources is needed to address both immediate challenges and longer-term risks. (END) Keywords #dailies-editorials Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' BTS to drop 'Come Over,' exclusive new track on 'Arirang' LP (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (LEAD) Trump calls on countries to 'go get your own oil' from Strait of Hormuz, or buy it from U.S. (3rd LD) Lee says S.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers korea, japan, hormuz topics. Notable strengths include discussion of korea. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 683.