President Lee Jae-myung, who departed for Singapore on the 1st, ordered that, in light of expanding uncertainty in the Middle East situation, including the U.S. and Israel's strike on Iran, "during the trip, keep an emergency response posture led by the prime minister and relevant ministries."
Kang Yu-jung, Spokesperson for the Blue House, said that Lee made this request as he set off on a trip to Singapore and the Philippines.
Lee also instructed, "Report frequently on the government's response regarding the situation in the Middle East and its impact on the economy," adding, "Above all, make every effort to ensure the safety of our nationals overseas."
The Blue House likewise said regarding Khamenei's death that it is "closely monitoring related developments and taking multifaceted measures to protect the safety of our nationals overseas," adding, "We hope stability and peace in the Middle East can be restored swiftly."
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 28 (local time) on social media that "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, has died." The Iranian government then officially confirmed Khamenei's death.
The Blue House Office of National Security has been keenly watching the ramifications of the crisis, convening a working-level meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) after the United States and Israel began their strike on Iran.
Lee is also receiving frequent briefings on the situation and reviewing countermeasures.
On the morning of the same day, Lee attended the ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement, then headed straight to Seoul Air Base and boarded Air Force One, the presidential jet, with his wife, Kim Hea-kyung. Lee will pay state visits to Singapore and the Philippines for four days and three nights, hold summits, and strengthen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).