Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok announced on Tuesday that the South Korean government is prioritizing the safety of its citizens in response to the ongoing Middle East crisis. This statement was made during a Cabinet meeting following the recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which have led to military reactions from various countries in the region.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Prime Minister Kim emphasized the volatile nature of the situation in the Middle East, especially with President Lee Jae Myung currently on state visits to Singapore and the Philippines. He assured that the government is fully utilizing its resources across different agencies to ensure the safety and protection of South Koreans abroad. Kim urged the foreign ministry and relevant agencies to share crisis-related information promptly and transparently to prevent public anxiety.

Kim also directed each ministry to maintain heightened alertness and perform their responsibilities without any lapses, given the president's absence. He called on the public to trust the government's response efforts and continue their daily activities without undue worry.

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina reported no South Korean casualties in the affected regions, specifically Iran and Israel. The ministry is actively monitoring the situation and plans to extend consular services to South Koreans in neighboring countries.

The Cabinet meeting also addressed legislative matters, including bills to establish two new agencies intended to replace the current prosecution service by October. These agencies will focus on serious crimes investigation and indictment, with revisions made to the bills following criticism about their similarity to the existing prosecution framework.

Prime Minister Kim assured that the government is committed to completing prosecution reforms with a focus on public interest, particularly concerning supplementary investigations. The approved bills will now be forwarded to the National Assembly for further deliberation.