South Korea Welcomes Release of Two Citizens Detained by Israel

South Korea's Blue House expressed its welcome on May 21 for the release of two South Korean citizens who were detained by the Israeli military after being on a humanitarian ship bound for Gaza.

Kang Yoo-jung, the chief spokesperson for the Blue House, stated during a briefing that the government strongly regrets the Israeli military's actions in detaining South Koreans but appreciates their immediate release.

Kang noted that President Lee Jae-myung expressed serious concerns regarding the safety and rights of the detained citizens during a Cabinet meeting the previous day. The government ensured necessary consular assistance and diplomatic responses, resulting in the Israeli authorities expelling the two South Koreans without them going through detention facilities.

Furthermore, it was reported that Israel hopes the bilateral relationship will not be affected and will continue to develop positively.

Kang emphasized that the Lee Jae-myung administration will respond responsibly and principled to international human rights issues and will maintain close diplomatic communication with relevant countries to ensure the safety of South Koreans.

President Lee stated, "The safety and sovereignty of our citizens are of utmost importance, which is the fundamental reason for the existence of the state and government." He promised that his administration would prioritize the lives and safety of citizens and fulfill its responsibility as a government that protects its people.

During the Cabinet meeting and emergency economic inspection meeting the day before, President Lee explained that his comments regarding the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were intended to emphasize the need for an objective understanding of the situation.

Earlier, on May 18, South Korean activist Kim Dong-hyun was aboard the humanitarian ship 'Kiriakos X' when it was seized by the Israeli navy in international waters off Cyprus. On May 20, the 'Rina Al Nabulsiho,' carrying South Korean activist Kim Ah-hyun and Korean-American Jonathan Victor Lee (also known as Seung-jun), was also captured by the Israeli military near Gaza.