South Korea expressed concerns Wednesday over Iranian-backed Houthi rebels' attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, as it took part in a UN Security Council meeting for the first time since it became a non-permanent member.

South Korean Ambassador to the UN Hwang Joon-kook attended the meeting as Seoul chairs a UNSC sanctions committee on Yemen. The meeting came amid tensions caused by the Yemeni militants' repeated attacks in the sea, a crucial shipping lane for oil and other cargo.

"We are particularly worried about the reckless and illegal attacks by the Houthis against the commercial vessels in the Red Sea," Hwang said.

"The Red Sea is a crucial waterway for international trade and commerce. Any threat or hindrance to freedom of navigation recognized under international law is both unacceptable and unjustifiable," he added.

Hwang also pointed out that the situation in the Middle East stands "at an immediate threat of escalation," as concerns have deepened over the possibility of the war between Israel and Hamas militants spreading into a wider regional conflict.

"The perilous situation in Gaza is triggering fears of a series of spillovers," he said. "Thus, it is urgent to exert every effort to decrease the tensions in the region, including the Red Sea."

This month, South Korea began its two-year UNSC term, along with other newly elected members -- Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.

On Tuesday, Hwang said that Seoul will request a UNSC meeting in the event of a North Korean provocation if need be. (Yonhap)