[South Korea Joins Seven-Nation Joint Statement Condemning Iran's Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz] On the evening of the 20th, South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the South Korean government has decided to join the 'Joint Statement on the Strait of Hormuz' issued by seven countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that this decision was made after comprehensive consideration of South Korea's fundamental stance on the safety of international maritime routes and freedom of navigation, international community trends, and the direct impact of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on South Korea's energy supply and economy. On the 19th, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and Canada issued a joint statement condemning Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.