Amid relentless airstrikes by the US and Israel in Iran, a group of South Koreans, which includes national women's volleyball team coach Lee Do-hee and football player Lee Gi-jae, are currently being evacuated with support from the South Korean government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports that as of the afternoon of the 3rd, South Korean nationals are being relocated to safe areas with assistance from the South Korean embassy in Iran, although specific details regarding the number of evacuees and their travel routes are kept confidential due to safety concerns.

The South Korean government previously indicated that around 60 of its nationals were staying in Iran as of the 1st. Although there is no plan to withdraw the embassy at this time, the government remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad, ensuring that even if a single national is still present, all resources will be devoted to their safety. Given the escalation of hostilities across the Middle East due to Iran's retaliatory actions, safeguarding the approximately 21,000 South Koreans in 13 countries in the region has become a pivotal issue.

During a session of the National Assembly's foreign affairs committee, legislator Kim Young-bae highlighted the concerning situation facing around 21,000 South Koreans in the Middle East, including about 4,000 short-term visitors whose travel plans have been disrupted by canceled flights. The airspace closures affecting countries like Iran, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have also contributed to the challenges faced by these nationals. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been advising citizens to leave whenever possible and is providing necessary flight information to those stranded due to cancellations, ensuring safety precautions are in place for all South Koreans in the region.