South Korean Embassy Staff in Tehran Rewarded for Service Amidst Conflict
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- South Korea has awarded special bonuses to staff at its embassy in Tehran for their dedication during the ongoing conflict between the US/Israel and Iran.
- The 23 staff members, including 10 foreign nationals, received approximately 100 million won in total, with payments based on their contributions and risk exposure.
- The embassy maintained normal operations, facilitated the evacuation of Korean nationals and their families, and ensured the safety of remaining citizens despite the dangerous situation.
In a region fraught with escalating tensions, the steadfast commitment of our diplomats in Tehran deserves commendation. The South Korean Embassy staff have demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism, ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens amidst the volatile conflict.
The bonus was paid to 23 staff members of the South Korean Embassy in Iran (including 10 foreign nationals) for their special performance in response to the Middle East situation.
The decision to award special bonuses reflects not only the dangerous conditions under which they operated but also the critical role they played in facilitating the successful evacuation of Koreans from Iran. Their efforts in maintaining diplomatic ties and ensuring smooth passage for our nationals highlight the importance of our presence, even in challenging geopolitical climates.
The bonus was paid differentially based on contribution and risk exposure, regardless of rank or nationality, for supporting the evacuation of our citizens and other processes.
While many nations chose to evacuate their diplomatic personnel, South Korea's decision to maintain its embassy operations in Tehran underscores our commitment to bilateral relations and the protection of our citizens abroad. This resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the dedication of our foreign service.
The embassy maintained normal operations after the outbreak of war, maintained close communication with the Iranian side, successfully supported the land evacuation of our citizens and their Iranian families, and checked the safety of remaining citizens daily.
This recognition is particularly significant given the risks involved, including proximity to bombing sites. The embassy staff's unwavering service in securing the safe passage of 24 Koreans to Turkmenistan exemplifies their commitment to '재외국민 보호' (protection of overseas citizens), a core tenet of our foreign policy. Their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our diplomats to safeguard national interests and citizens abroad.
Encourage and reward the embassy staff in Iran.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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