Singapore: National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac reassured South Koreans on Monday that the government is maintaining an emergency response system. This comes as President Lee Jae Myung visits Singapore amid heightened tension in the Middle East following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Wi reiterated Lee's social media message posted after his arrival in Singapore on Sunday for a two-nation, four-day trip that will also take him to the Philippines. He urged the public not to worry excessively. "The government is prepared in all areas, including the real economy, finance, and national security, and Cheong Wa Dae is also maintaining the emergency response system," Wi told reporters in Singapore. He emphasized his continuous monitoring of the situation and reporting to the president.
Earlier, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok led a meeting with relevant Cabinet ministers to assess the latest Middle East situation and its impact on the Korean financial market and oil prices, while also checking on the safety of Korean nationals and troops in the region. The developments were also discussed during President Lee's summit talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The leaders engaged in dialogue about their roles as middle-power nations and how they could contribute to global peace and stability.
Wi noted that Lee and Wong assessed the impact of the Middle East situation on global security and energy supplies, agreeing on the importance of regional stability and cooperation between their nations. A senior presidential official indicated it is too early to predict the Iran crisis' impact on South Korea's economy and security, but stressed the government's close monitoring of oil prices and developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
When questioned about the mobilization of U.S. Forces Korea assets in support of the U.S. strike on Iran, the official stated that Seoul and Washington consistently consult on operations, ensuring their combined defense posture remains intact. In terms of security implications for the Korean Peninsula, the official mentioned that Seoul will monitor North Korea's response and consider utilizing upcoming diplomatic events.
President Lee has previously called for North Korea to re-enter negotiations with the United States, but Pyongyang has shown no response. Although North Korea has dismissed dialogue with Seoul, it has signaled potential openness to talks with Washington during a recent party congress, where it outlined its five-year plan and sector goals.