South Korea Considers Special Envoy for Middle East Amid Regional Crisis

South Korea's ruling Democratic Party of Korea is moving to formally discuss establishing a "Special Ambassador for Middle East Affairs" in response to the war between the United States and Iran. The party argues a senior-level control tower dedicated to Middle East diplomacy is needed given mounting issues including war resolution and supply chain management.

According to political sources on the 5th, some Democratic Party members of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plan to demand the Ministry of Foreign Affairs create the new Middle East envoy position at a plenary session scheduled for the 6th.

"The Middle East has unique characteristics and its importance is growing, so we need a senior official at the Grade 1 civil servant level who can oversee the entire region," said Rep. Hong Ki-won, a Democratic Party member of the committee. "I plan to officially raise this at the plenary session."

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, special ambassadors are positions designed to handle roles difficult for traditional diplomatic channels. Examples include the Ambassador for Public Diplomacy, Ambassador for Climate Change, and Ambassador for Cyber Cooperation. Currently, director-general level officials (Grade 2-3) at the ministry headquarters oversee both Africa and the Middle East. The proposal calls for recruiting experts familiar with local conditions on a temporary basis, given the complexity and heavy workload involved. Special ambassadors serve one-year terms, with possible one-year extensions when necessary.

If established, the new envoy's top priority would be ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in the Middle East. Approximately 21,000 Koreans are currently stranded across more than 10 Middle Eastern countries, including about 4,000 short-term visitors such as tourists. Options under discussion include securing evacuation routes through countries where airspace remains open. Energy cooperation with Middle Eastern nations to address war-induced oil shortages is also cited as a key task. The envoy would coordinate policy between regional ambassadors stationed abroad and ministry headquarters.

Political observers expect the Foreign Ministry to respond positively, as calls for a dedicated Middle East position have continued for some time. "Since last year, we have been gathering opinions through forums with working-level officials, and I understand they have generally taken a positive stance," Rep. Hong said.