South Korean Ship Explodes in Strait of Hormuz, Seoul Investigates Cause of Fire

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SEOUL — An explosion struck a ship operated by a South Korean company in the Strait of Hormuz, near the coast of the United Arab Emirates, on Monday (4/5/2026). South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exact cause of the fire could only be confirmed after the ship is towed back to port, as reported by Channel News Asia.

US President Donald Trump blamed the Monday incident on an Iranian attack. Nevertheless, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the exact cause of the fire could only be confirmed after the ship is towed back to port.

The Panama-flagged cargo ship, operated by South Korean shipping company HMM, was reportedly empty and anchored when the explosion occurred. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed there were no fatalities in the incident. The fire has been extinguished. The ship, named HMM Namu, will be towed to the nearest port for damage assessment and repairs.

In a social media post, Trump claimed that Iran had fired shots at the South Korean-operated ship and other targets as the US launched an operation to open the strait. He openly suggested that South Korea join the ship escort operation titled Project Freedom.

South Korea’s Presidential Secretary Choi Soung-ah emphasised that Seoul believes “the security of international maritime routes and freedom of navigation must be protected under international law.” She noted Seoul’s participation in international efforts to normalise the global supply chain.

“In this context, we continue to monitor President Trump’s statements on the matter,” Choi said. A brief message from the Presidential Office (Blue House) confirmed that the government is reviewing Trump’s suggestion to participate in the plan to open navigation routes in the strait.