Ministry of Foreign Affairs Urges Korean Nationals in Lebanon to "Leave as Soon as Possible"... Heightened Safety Alert Amid Expanding Airstrikes

About 90 Korean Nationals Remain in Lebanon

"Choosing to Wait and See Is Dangerous"

As Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon continue, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has once again urged Korean nationals residing in the area to leave the country as soon as possible.

On the afternoon of the 21st (local time), black smoke was seen rising in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, following an airstrike by the Israeli military. Photo by Yonhap News.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 9, Ambassador Jeon Kyuseok in Lebanon posted a message on the embassy website, earnestly requesting, "Please seriously consider leaving before it is too late, and move to a safe place as soon as possible."

Ambassador Jeon stressed, "Right now, the option to 'wait and see a little longer' is becoming increasingly dangerous," adding, "The embassy will provide all possible support, but if the situation deteriorates, our ability to assist you could be very limited."

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also explained that the areas where most Korean nationals live are not safe from airstrikes, and although flights are still operating, they could be suspended at any time.

Currently, there are about 90 Korean nationals, approximately 10 embassy staff, and around 180 Dongmyeong Unit troops in Lebanon. The Dongmyeong Unit has suspended activities outside the base.

On this day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a situation review meeting with headquarters and the embassy participating to discuss ways to ensure the safety of Korean nationals. Yoon Juseok, Director of the Consular Affairs and Safety Bureau, stated that the situation remains unstable as airstrikes continue across Lebanon, emphasizing the need for prompt departure using available commercial flights.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.