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South Korea has joined a joint statement with European nations, Japan, and others condemning the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement released by the South Korean foreign ministry on March 20, 2026.
The statement expresses serious concern over recent actions that impede navigation through the vital waterway, a critical artery for global oil supplies. Whereas the specific actions prompting the joint condemnation were not detailed in the ministry’s release, the move signals a unified front against potential disruptions to maritime traffic.
The decision by South Korea to align with European and Japanese counterparts comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Earlier this month, South Korea expanded access to its automated immigration clearance gates to travelers from Canada and 23 European countries, streamlining travel procedures for those visitors. This expansion, announced on March 16, 2026, and updated on March 17, 2026, reflects a broader effort to enhance international cooperation and facilitate travel.
Separately, Hyundai Rotem, a South Korean defense company, announced the appointment of former Defense Ministry official Cho Hyun-ki as vice president of its European subsidiary, Hyundai Rotem Europe, based in Poland. Cho, a retired Army brigadier general with extensive experience in defense procurement and exports, will assume the role on April 1, 2026, pending Polish government approval of his work visa. This appointment underscores Hyundai Rotem’s commitment to expanding its presence in the European defense market, particularly in Poland, where the company is currently fulfilling a second implementation contract.
In other economic news, South Korean food company Samyang Foods has established a research and development hub focused on plant-based alternatives in Wageningen, Netherlands. The new facility, announced on March 23, 2026, will drive innovation in the rapidly growing plant-based food sector, leveraging the expertise and infrastructure available in the Dutch research ecosystem.