As military clashes between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran intensify, Korean police have entered emergency response mode. While government-wide emergency reviews continue, police are preparing to deploy a rapid response team composed of specialists from seven fields to the region if requested.
The Korean National Police Agency said on the 3rd that it is internally preparing plans to dispatch a rapid response team to the Middle East if requested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies. The police agency operates a standing "Overseas Korean Protection Rapid Response Team" of 156 personnel across seven specialized fields, including counter-terrorism, for swift response to overseas emergencies. Police are ready to immediately deploy some of these personnel upon official request from relevant ministries.
The police agency has been holding daily internal briefings on the deteriorating Middle East situation and reviewing response systems by function. While President Lee Jae-myung is on state visits to Singapore and the Philippines, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is chairing daily emergency review meetings, and the police agency has entered preparedness mode in close consultation with relevant ministries.
Additionally, police are reviewing measures to strengthen security for Middle Eastern countries' embassies and diplomatic facilities in Korea, as well as protection for key figures. They are reportedly re-examining response manuals for various scenarios to prepare for possible spontaneous protests or terror threats. A police official said, "We are closely monitoring domestic and international situations while coordinating necessary measures in close consultation with relevant ministries."
The Yongsan Police Station in Seoul, which has jurisdiction over the area near the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, recently reinforced security and patrol personnel around the mission. As of the 3rd, two officers are permanently stationed in front of the Iranian Embassy. One riot police unit has also been forward-deployed for contingencies. A nearby police box has included the vicinity of the Iranian Embassy in its patrol route at two-hour intervals to prepare for possible assemblies or demonstrations.
Earlier, Prime Minister Kim said at an emergency ministerial meeting on the Middle East situation on the 1st, "The lives and safety of our citizens are paramount." He added, "If the situation worsens, we must immediately dispatch a rapid response team and prepare transportation plans in advance so that citizens residing there can safely return home."
In response, the government is reviewing various support measures led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Korean nationals residing in Iran and Israel, including dispatch of rapid response teams and budget support.