All Presidential Office Staff Report to Work Amid Iran Crisis... Kang Hoonshik Orders "Thorough Emergency Response System"

Chief Presidential Secretary Kang Hoonshik Presides Over Weekly Meeting on March 2

"Public Officials Urged to Remain Highly Alert"

Yonhap News

On March 2, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik reviewed the situation in the Middle East and instructed the relevant ministries to maintain a thorough emergency response system.

According to Lee Kyuyoun, Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Communication, Chief Kang presided over the weekly work meeting that day, assessing the possibility of a prolonged crisis in the Middle East and its impact on the Korean economy.

Chief Kang emphasized, "Given that the President is currently on an overseas trip, the entire public sector should remain especially alert to ensure there is no lapse in response to any emergency situation." He further stressed that "protecting the safety and lives of Korean nationals residing in the Middle East must be the highest priority," and requested that "every effort be made to ensure the safety of our citizens abroad."

Chief Kang also received reports from the Secretariat regarding media and local developments related to the Middle East, the status of global supply chains, international energy prices, and domestic and international financial market trends. He reviewed the response plan and specific measures of the "Joint Emergency Response Team of Relevant Agencies" led by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and examined the government's assessment of the Middle East situation and its ongoing responses.

Yonhap News

Meanwhile, on March 2, which was a substitute public holiday, Blue House staff members reported to work as usual. According to Secretary Lee, this measure was taken following Chief Kang's directive on March 1, in order to maintain an emergency posture and strengthen readiness in response to the recent grave international situation.

Secretary Lee stated, "The Blue House will continue to cooperate closely with relevant ministries and implement necessary measures until the situation stabilizes."

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