The government is continuing to exert diplomatic efforts for the safe release of Kim Sun-il, closely monitoring the situation for any developments.

The Foreign Ministry entered into an emergency response mode after the outbreak of the hostage incident. On Monday night, top foreign ministry officials met with members of the National Security Council to check developments and direct diplomatic and other efforts for Kim's prompt release.

In Baghdad, the South Korean Embassy says it is keeping in close contact with Iraq's interim government and the Coalition Provisional Authority, asking for their cooperation in resolving the matter.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military stationed in Iraq has also vowed their full assistance for the safe rescue of the South Korean hostage. U.S. forces representatives said they would fully utilize their intelligence and military resources for Kim's rescue.