Prime minister orders emergency response over Middle East crisis

March 1 (Asia Today) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Saturday ordered an emergency, government-wide response to escalating instability in the Middle East following the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the protection of South Korean citizens must be the top priority.

Kim chaired an emergency interministerial meeting at the Government Complex Seoul and instructed ministries to remain on high alert amid what he described as "extremely high uncertainty" in global politics and the economy.

"The lives and safety of our citizens are paramount," Kim said, directing the Foreign Ministry to immediately confirm the status and safety of South Koreans residing in Iran and neighboring Middle Eastern countries. He called for advance preparations to dispatch rapid response teams and arrange transportation plans should evacuations become necessary.

Kim also ordered a 24-hour diplomatic and security monitoring system, with relevant agencies conducting regular situation assessments to evaluate military and security risks.

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Turning to the economy, Kim noted that South Korea depends on the Middle East for about 70% of its crude oil imports and roughly 30% of its natural gas supply. He instructed the Industry Ministry and the Oceans Ministry to review energy supply chains and maritime logistics risks, including potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and to prepare contingency plans to minimize impacts on domestic industries and households.

He warned that volatility in foreign exchange and financial markets could intensify, directing the Finance Ministry and the Financial Services Commission to closely monitor oil prices, currency movements and stock market trends, and to consider market stabilization measures if needed.

Kim also cautioned against the spread of misinformation, calling for swift and accurate public communication and urging prosecutors and police to take action against false reports that could fuel public anxiety.

"No one can predict with certainty how the Middle East situation will unfold," Kim said, adding that he will chair daily emergency review meetings each evening until President Lee Jae-myung returns from an overseas trip.

Officials from foreign affairs, defense, industry, finance, maritime authorities, intelligence and law enforcement attended the meeting, along with senior staff from the presidential office. President Lee had instructed the government before departing on his trip to maintain an emergency response system under the prime minister's leadership.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260301010000091