Wi Sung-lac, head of the Office of National Security accompanying President Lee Jae-myung on his state visit to Singapore, said on the 2nd (local time) regarding the recent rapidly changing situation in the Middle East that "the government is thoroughly preparing in all areas, so the public should not be overly concerned."
At a briefing held at the local press center in Singapore that day, the Deputy Minister said, "The government is maintaining an emergency response posture in all areas, including the real economy, finance, and military security," adding the above. The Deputy Minister added that even during the trip, he is checking the Middle East situation from time to time and reporting to President Lee.
Earlier, on the previous day, President Lee said on social media, "The Cabinet, including Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, and the presidential office led by Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik are thoroughly preparing for every possibility," and asked, "Members of the public, please feel at ease, enjoy your daily lives, and focus on your livelihoods."
The Deputy Minister said the Middle East crisis was also a key agenda item at the Korea-Singapore summit held that day. In their talks, President Lee and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong assessed the impact of the Middle East situation on global security and energy supply chains and the world economy, and agreed that peace in the region should be restored as soon as possible. In particular, the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation to contribute to the stability of the international community as responsible middle powers.
Aides who remained in the country are also moving swiftly. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik ordered all staff to report to work as usual on the substitute holiday for Independence Movement Day and presided over the weekly staff meeting. Kang said, "Given the possibility of a prolonged crisis, keep close watch on the economic impact from multiple angles, and above all, make every effort to ensure the safety of our nationals staying in the region," in a request to relevant ministries.
The government is currently monitoring crude oil and energy supply conditions in real time through the relevant ministries and, under the chairmanship of the prime minister, is holding review meetings to respond swiftly to any abnormal signs in the real economy and financial markets.