Kim Ahyeon, a South Korean national who had been detained in Israel, was released on the morning of October 10 (local time), two days after being captured.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Kim was released in the form of voluntary deportation and departed the country on a flight to Istanbul, T?rkiye. Kim is expected to return to South Korea soon.
Kim had been detained by the Israeli military on October 8 while attempting to approach the Gaza Strip aboard an international relief flotilla.
Following the incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with its headquarters and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Israel, made every effort to ensure Kim's safety, secure a swift release, and facilitate an early return home.
The previous day, the embassy dispatched a consular officer to the detention facility to conduct a consular interview with Kim and confirm Kim's health and safety.
In addition, the consular officer personally verified that Kim boarded the plane and departed from the airport. The embassy, along with the Consulate General in Istanbul and other local diplomatic missions, will continue to provide necessary consular assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated that it had repeatedly contacted Kim in advance to warn of the dangers of visiting the Gaza Strip and to inform Kim that traveling to restricted areas without special passport authorization could result in penalties under the Passport Act.
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