The Korean government has decided to join the "joint leaders' statement on the Strait of Hormuz" that seven countries—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada—released.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a media notice on the 20th, saying it was the result of a comprehensive consideration of the Korean government's basic position on the safety of international sea lines of communication and freedom of navigation, trends in the international community, and the direct impact that disruptions to transit in the Strait of Hormuz would have on Korea's energy supply and economy.
Earlier, the seven countries issued a joint statement on the 19th (local time), saying they "condemn in the strongest terms the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces."
They also emphasized that they "are ready to contribute appropriate efforts to secure safe sea lanes" and welcomed the participation of other countries. They went on to urge Iran to respect international law, saying "maritime security and freedom of navigation are in the interest of all countries."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Korea's participation in the joint statement has significance in that it confirms our will to contribute to the international community's efforts to ensure safe and free passage in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We will continue to work closely with the international community, including other participating countries, for the swift normalization of global maritime logistics networks."