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Foreign ministry examines contingency plans for Korean nationals in Iran

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By Yonhap
  • Published KST
Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials hold a meeting to check the situation in Iran and the safety of Korean nationals there amid the growing unrest in the Islamic republic, Jan. 5. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials hold a meeting to check the situation in Iran and the safety of Korean nationals there amid the growing unrest in the Islamic republic, Jan. 5. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The foreign ministry on Tuesday held a meeting to examine contingency plans for Korean nationals in Iran, including those for possible evacuation, amid the growing unrest fueled by protests over economic hardships.

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina called for thoroughly preparing plans in case the South Korean citizens in Iran need to evacuate, relocate or leave the country should the situation worsen, the ministry said in a release.

Kim also instructed the Korean Embassy in Iran, which joined the meeting virtually, to focus on ensuring the safety of the Koreans staying in Iran.

The ministry said approximately 70 Korean nationals are currently in the country, excluding diplomats and their family members.

Seoul's top envoy to Iran, Kim Jun-pyo, said the embassy has been checking their safety every day through online channels and prioritized staying in contact with them since the protests erupted.

The protests began with merchants demonstrating against the worsening economy, but have since spread to other regions, with some turning into violent clashes believed to have killed hundreds of people.