As tensions escalate in the Middle East following airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran, the South Korean police are preparing to deploy a rapid response team for the protection of overseas citizens. The International Police Cooperation Division announced that they are internally preparing for a request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant government departments regarding the deployment of the rapid response team. The team, known as the 'Overseas Citizen Protection Rapid Response Team,' is organized for quick emergency responses abroad and comprises specialized personnel across seven fields, totaling 156 individuals in the 'rapid response team pool.' However, the police clarified that no deployment schedule has been finalized yet.

Prior to this, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok led a government meeting in the absence of President Lee Jae-myung, emphasizing the government's commitment to prioritizing national safety and the protection of overseas citizens. He acknowledged the potential for the conflict to extend into surrounding nations of Iran and urged that preparations be made for the safety and evacuation of South Korean citizens residing in those countries. The urgency of this situation reflects the increasing complexity of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the need for South Korea to maintain readiness to support its citizens abroad.

The seriousness of the threats posed by heightened military actions in the region necessitates a proactive approach in safeguarding South Korean nationals. This development indicates the South Korean government’s readiness to mobilize resources and expertise to address potential crises that may arise due to regional volatility. As international concerns grow over the situation in the Middle East, the action taken by South Korea demonstrates an awareness of the risks involved and a commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens in volatile environments.