Prime Minister Kim Presides Over Emergency Meeting on Middle East Crisis: "Deployment of Rapid Response Team, Strict Action Against Fake News" (Comprehensive) [US-Iran War]
by Oh Yukyo
Published 01 Mar.2026 19:23(KST)
Updated 04 Mar.2026 10:20(KST)
Safety of Overseas Nationals as Top Priority
Rapid Response Teams and Transportation Plans to Be Prepared
Prime Minister Kim Minseok presided over an emergency meeting with relevant ministries on the Middle East situation at the Government Complex Seoul on March 1, in response to the escalating Middle East crisis following airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
He ordered a comprehensive response to ensure national security and economic stability for the Korean people.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Kim stated, "Concerns within the international community over the Middle East situation are rising," stressing the need to respond to the situation with heightened vigilance and a strong sense of crisis. He also noted that President Lee Jaemyung is currently on an overseas trip, and announced that until the President’s return, a daily evening emergency comprehensive review meeting with relevant ministries would be convened under his leadership to directly oversee response readiness.
Prime Minister Kim also warned of the risk that false information could be used to incite crisis or stir social unrest during the current situation, and called on prosecutors and police to carry out thorough crackdowns and take strict action. This was interpreted as a determination to alleviate public anxiety by delivering accurate information.
He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately and comprehensively check on the whereabouts and safety of Korean nationals staying in the Middle East and neighboring countries. He also ordered that, in case the situation deteriorates, a rapid response team be dispatched immediately, and that concrete transportation plans be prepared in advance to ensure the safe return of citizens. Additionally, he called for the foreign affairs and security crisis response system to operate around the clock, and for regular situation assessment meetings to be held to thoroughly evaluate and share information on risk factors.
Proactive measures in the energy and economic sectors were also emphasized. Prime Minister Kim noted, "We depend on the Middle East for 70% of our crude oil and 30% of our natural gas," and instructed the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to assess risks to energy supply and logistics. He also directed the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Financial Services Commission to operate a monitoring system for oil prices, exchange rates, and the stock market, centered on the Deputy Prime Minister, and to review possible market stabilization measures.
The government plans to focus on providing swift and accurate information, including by reviewing regular briefings by relevant agencies, to reassure the public. Meanwhile, other ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups have also established real-time monitoring systems and begun customized responses, including policy fund support for affected businesses.
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