Some Korean nationals whose safety was threatened by the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran have safely relocated to neighboring countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' "covert operation" proved successful, while the government and ruling party maintain vigilance regarding the safety of Korean nationals in the Middle East amid evolving regional conditions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 3rd that 23 Korean nationals and residents from Iran and 66 from Israel have safely evacuated to Turkmenistan and Egypt, respectively. Those who departed on embassy-arranged buses—from Iran on the 2nd and Israel on the 3rd—moved in military operation-style fashion. The timing and routes were kept strictly confidential. In Iran, where internet services were paralyzed, communication and status updates were shared via the embassy's satellite phones.
The Korean Embassy in Iran reportedly prepared and provided meals during the journey. Iran is currently observing Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting when Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, making restaurant visits during travel difficult.
In addition to embassy staff, rapid response teams dispatched from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters were deployed to assist with evacuations. Among those evacuated from Iran were Lee Do-hee, head coach of Iran's national women's volleyball team, and Lee Ki-je, a former Korean national team player who had been active in Iran's professional football league.
The evacuees are currently traveling to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, and Cairo, the capital of Egypt, using buses chartered by the respective Korean embassies. After arriving in the capitals, they are scheduled to depart individually to Korea or third countries on the 4th. Approximately 40 Korean nationals remain in Iran and about 500 in Israel following the evacuations. Some of these include embassy staff and their families, or those with local family members. Embassy personnel will reportedly not withdraw as long as even one Korean national remains.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained, "Evacuations of Korean nationals from other nearby countries will also be carried out if necessary." According to the government, approximately 17,000 Korean nationals and permanent residents live in 13 Middle Eastern countries, with an estimated 4,000 travelers in the region.
The Democratic Party of Korea also held consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day and announced plans to arrange the return of approximately 2,000 Korean citizens stranded in Dubai. Rep. Kim Young-bae of the Democratic Party said, "Iran is also conducting retaliatory attacks against the U.S. and Israel, raising concerns that this could escalate into full-scale conflict. While the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are doing their utmost to ensure the safety of our citizens, the party and government will also cooperate closely to protect national interests."
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok chaired a meeting with ambassadors from 14 Middle Eastern countries at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Joint Situation Room, reviewing safety measures for Korean nationals and contingency evacuation plans. At an earlier Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized, "The government is preparing for all possible scenarios. We will not stand idly by, nor will we overreact. There is no need for citizens to be anxious."
Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-ah stated at a joint briefing following an inter-ministerial meeting on the Middle East situation, "Many citizens are experiencing difficulties returning home due to Middle East airspace closures and flight cancellations. Embassies are continuously monitoring local conditions with relevant ministries and actively seeking optimal return options."
Additionally, the police have entered emergency response mode to dispatch rapid response teams composed of personnel from seven specialized fields at any time. The National Police Agency operates a standing "Overseas Korean Protection Rapid Response Team" of 156 personnel from seven specialized fields, including counter-terrorism, for swift response to overseas emergencies.
