Concerns are mounting that the Korean economy could take a hit from disruptions to oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran that began Saturday and killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. James Kim, director of the Korea program at the U.S. think tank Stimson Center, warned that the conflict in the Middle East could hurt Korea’s energy supply, given the country’s dependence on the region for 70 percent of its crude oil imports and 30 percent of its natural gas supply. "As long as the conflict does not have a prolonged impact on the movement of cargo across the Strait of Hormuz, South Korea will manage," Kim said Saturday. "But if the conflict drags on for a prolonged period with the Strait of Hormuz being inaccessible to international shipping, there is likely to be a noticeable impact on South Korea's ability to not only keep its lights on but also manufacture and export products as part of the global supply chain." The Korea International Trade Association also warned of a possible spike in shipping costs