A ship now closely linked to North Korea was owned by a South Korean company headquartered in one of Seoul’s busy financial hubs only a few months ago, numerous maritime databases show.

Inspection records and the Equasis maritime database show that the South Korean-flagged Chun Kwang was owned and operated by the Gangnam-based Shinsung Shipping at the start of the year. But by September, the 6500-tonne cargo ship was more likely to be seen in Nampho than Incheon, with a new owner, flag, name, and North Korean crew members aboard.

The Chun Kwang’s