"Many Korean Missionaries Remain in Lebanon Amid Ground Offensive"... MOFA Urges, "Leave Immediately"

[Financial News] As Israel launches a ground offensive in Lebanon to eliminate Hezbollah, the armed group backed by Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (MOFA) has once again urged Korean nationals in the country to leave as soon as possible. A large number of Koreans currently staying in Lebanon are missionaries dispatched by Christian organizations.
According to MOFA on the 19th, about 120 Korean nationals are currently staying in Lebanon, and most of them are believed to be missionaries. Roughly half of the Korean residents are in Beirut, while the others are in the eastern Beqaa region. The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Lebanon is holding meetings with Korean residents in Beqaa to encourage them to leave the country. MOFA is also in contact with missionary-sending organizations to press for their prompt departure.
Southern Lebanon, which borders northern Israel, is a stronghold of Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned Shiite armed group, and Israel has in recent days launched a limited ground operation there. Three Israeli army divisions are currently operating in Southern Lebanon, and two additional divisions are expected to be deployed. Meanwhile, the South Korean government has decided to provide Lebanon with humanitarian assistance totaling 2 million dollars through international organizations working on the ground.

rainman@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-soo Reporter