Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has called for utmost diplomatic efforts for the safe release of a South Korean national aboard an aid vessel seized by the Israeli military while approaching Gaza, the presidential office said Thursday. A South Korean activist, identified as Kim Ah-hyun, was aboard one of the 11 ships heading to Gaza that were intercepted by Israeli forces Wednesday, according to local civic groups. Kim, along with scores of other activists, was subsequently detained.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee ordered maximum diplomatic efforts for the safe and swift release and return of the South Korean national after he was briefed on the issue late Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing. Seoul’s foreign ministry earlier said it has requested Kim’s swift release through its embassy in Israel and vowed to provide necessary consular support.

In a statement posted on X, Israel’s foreign ministry said all the passengers are safe and have been transferred to an Israeli port, saying they are expected to be promptly deported. Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina met with Barak Shine, deputy chief of Israeli mission in South Korea, on Thursday afternoon and requested cooperation on the issue, the foreign ministry said.

In response, Shine was quoted as vowing to work for the safe and swift release of the South Korean national in accordance with due procedures, according to the ministry. The ministry said the South Korean Embassy in Israel is also in close contact with relevant Israeli authorities.