▲ This EPA file photo shows a Thai-flagged cargo ship on fire after being hit by Iranian missiles in the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March, 2026, provided by the Royal Thai Navy the following day. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

S Korea-Iran envoy

Ex-ambassador to Kuwait appointed as special envoy to Iran

SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- The foreign ministry on Friday appointed former Ambassador to Kuwait Chung Byung-ha as its special envoy to Iran and will send him to Tehran soon to coordinate the safe passage of South Korean vessels and nationals amid the Middle East conflict, officials said.

The ministry announced the appointment of Chung, currently ambassador for polar affairs, a day after Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held phone talks with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

During the talks, Cho announced the decision to dispatch a special envoy to Iran to discuss the situation in the Middle East and bilateral issues between South Korea and Iran.

A total of 26 South Korea-related vessels remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz under the control of Iran, which has said it will offer safe passage in coordination with its armed forces, but is warning of attacks on ships attempting to pass without permission.

"With the dispatch (of the special envoy), the foreign ministry plans to share views on the Middle East situation and discuss passage not only for our nationals, vessels and crews, but for all ships," the ministry said.

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