Footballer Lee Ki-je escapes Iran: "Arrived safely in Korea"

Lee Ki-je, 34, a footballer who had moved to the professional league in the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), has returned home safely amid growing instability in the Middle East.
At around 10 p.m. on the 4th, Lee posted a photo of the arrivals hall at Incheon International Airport on his social media, writing, "I have arrived safely in Korea. Thank you to everyone who was worried about me."
Lee, a former Korea national team full-back, joined Mes Rafsanjan Football Club in the Persian Gulf Pro League after the end of the 2025 season. He played the full 90 minutes in five consecutive matches from his debut and secured a starting spot, but the recent rapid deterioration in the situation in Iran raised concerns about his personal safety.
In a phone interview with Yonhap News Agency on the 1st, Lee said, "I am trying to return to Korea immediately," adding, "The embassy is currently looking into possible routes for me to come home."
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the 2nd, 24 Korean nationals staying in Iran, including Lee Ki-je and Lee Do-hee, head coach of the Iran women's national volleyball team, boarded two buses arranged by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Islamic Republic of Iran and moved from Tehran to Turkmenistan. They then followed the designated procedures for repatriation and arrived in Korea.


hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter