Presidential Chief of Staff Urges Swift Repatriation of Stranded Citizens Amid Middle East Crisis

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik on the 3rd instructed officials regarding the Middle East situation to "provide close support through local diplomatic missions so that citizens stranded due to aviation restrictions can return home as soon as possible." Kang also urged that "the safety of Korean expatriates and visitors staying in the Middle East must be secured as the top priority."

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Jeon Eun-su conveyed the results of the senior secretaries' meeting chaired by Chief of Staff Kang through a written briefing that day. According to Deputy Spokesperson Jeon, Kang emphasized that "amid the grave situation of expanding geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East region, the government must fulfill its fundamental functions so that citizens can go about their daily lives with peace of mind." He added, "Thoroughly prepare response measures for each scenario to ensure no disruption to Korean companies' business activities, including energy and raw material supply," and instructed that "all public officials must maintain a work posture befitting an emergency situation and strictly establish discipline in public service."

Additionally, Kang stated, "Regarding the recent fire accident at an aging apartment building, this serves as a warning against the safety complacency of neglecting investment in fire prevention facilities due to preoccupation with economic gains." He ordered that "relevant agencies including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the National Fire Agency must immediately establish initial response measures such as distribution of fire detectors and installation of automatic fire extinguishers." He continued, "We must swiftly pursue legislative amendments to mandate sprinkler installation to prevent any more tragic casualties."

Regarding planning tasks discussed at the meeting for improving government credibility and enhancing public convenience, Kang added, "It is most important to create an environment where the public service sector can continuously generate creative ideas," and "We must foster an organizational culture where free proposals and innovation thrive."