"Still Skeptical" vs. "Ready to Move"... Tense Wait for Developments

[Anchor]

South Korean vessels and crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz are closely monitoring the situation with a sense of caution. Having experienced repeated agreements, breakdowns, and reversals in the past, some are maintaining a wait-and-see approach, while others are rushing to prepare for departure, fearing they might miss this window of opportunity.

Jeong Seong-jin reports.

[Reporter]

Despite the news that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the conflict, South Korean crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz remain skeptical.

[Jeon Jeong-geun / Chairman of the HMM Seafarers' Union: We are hopeful, but we aren't getting too excited. We want to believe it, but since it could fall through again, we are preparing ourselves for any outcome.]

Back in April, a ceasefire agreement led to the opening of the Strait, but the situation quickly deteriorated when Iran re-imposed a blockade, followed by a counter-blockade from the U.S. As a result, there is a cautious atmosphere until a final agreement is reached.

At the outbreak of the conflict, there were 26 South Korean vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. With an HMM oil tanker and an SK Shipping LNG carrier having already departed, there are currently 24 ships and 137 South Korean crew members remaining.

Following the attack on the Namu-ho, most South Korean vessels have moved to areas near Qatar inside the Strait and are currently waiting.

They are stationed in safe areas, completing preparations for transit, and awaiting government directives ahead of the agreement scheduled for the 19th.

[Company A: We are double-checking all relevant matters on board. We are preparing to move as soon as instructions are given...]

Some shipping companies, already pushed to their limits, are demanding proactive measures from the government, fearing they cannot afford to miss another chance.

[Company B: We can't wait any longer. We are running low on fuel, and the crew is becoming increasingly restless. Since Israel continues to engage in localized skirmishes, we don't know what other variables might arise.]

The government stated that it is preparing to help South Korean vessels exit as quickly as possible, while emphasizing that ensuring safety—such as clearing sea mines and securing escape routes—remains the top priority.

(Video Editing: Kim Byeong-jik)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.