South Korea on alert over safety of about 70 nationals as Iran protests turn deadly

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chaired by Second Vice Minister Kim Jin-a, held a joint headquarters–mission meeting on January 13, 2026, to review the situation of protests in Iran and check safety measures for Korean nationals. Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

SEOUL, January 15 (AJP) - As Iran's ongoing internal protests have reportedly killed thousands, with fears of possible U.S. intervention heightening global concerns, the South Korean government has remained on alert, convening an emergency meeting earlier this week to assess the safety of its citizens there.

Chaired by Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-a, the meeting was held on Tuesday via Zoom with embassy officials in Tehran to set up contingency plans for South Korean nationals residing there.

Stressing the importance of ensuring the safety of South Koreans, Kim urged, "We should thoroughly prepare for possible evacuation and other contingencies if the situation worsens."

According to South Korean Ambassador to Tehran Kim Jun-pyo, around 70 South Koreans are in Iran, excluding embassy staff and other officials. He said the embassy has been "closely monitoring developments and taking necessary steps to protect them," adding that it has been checking on their safety daily by phone, while advising them to stay indoors, particularly at night, as protests turn violent."

As of Tuesday, there have been no reports of casualties or damage affecting South Koreans.

The government maintains its current alert level, the second-highest on its four-tier scale, urging all travelers to avoid Iran. However, the highest alert, which would ban travel entirely, has not yet been issued.

Mourners react next to coffins during a funeral procession for members of security forces and civilians said to be killed in protests on Sunday, amid evolving anti-government unrest, in Tehran, Iran, in this screengrab from a video released on Jan. 11, 2026. AP-Yonhap

But other countries have taken more drastic measures amid escalating unrest in Iran and fears of a possible U.S. strike. The U.K. has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, while France has withdrawn non-essential diplomatic staff. Italy and Spain have urged all their citizens to leave Iran immediately.

These developments come as Iranian authorities continue a harsh crackdown on anti-government protests, with death toll estimates varying widely.

Norway-based non-profit organization Iran Human Rights said at least 3,428 protesters have been killed as of Wednesday, while U.S. media estimated the death toll could be as high as 12,000 to 20,000.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media to call on Tehran to halt the killings, saying he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials "until the killing stops," and added, "Help is on its way," though he did not specify what form that help would take.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News that there were "no plans for executions" and that the situation was now "under control."

Airspace over Iran has been closed to most flights and several European carriers including Germany's Lufthansa and its affiliated flights said they would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace "until further notice."

Foreign ministers of G7 countries said they are prepared to impose additional sanctions on Tehran over its violent response to protests and arbitrary detentions.

Officials in Seoul have been closely monitoring further developments including not only Iran's domestic unrest but also whether Washington intervenes, a move that could alter the security landscape across the already volatile Middle East.
Lee Jung-woo Reporter cannes2030@ajupress.com

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