The government says it is exerting full efforts to ensure the safety of Koreans in Venezuela as it monitors the situation after the U.S. conducted a large-scale strike and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

In a statement on Sunday, Seoul’s foreign ministry spokesperson said the government hopes the will of the Venezuelan people will be respected as democracy is restored and the situation swiftly stabilizes through dialogue.

The spokesperson then urged all parties involved to do their best to ease regional tensions.
 
South Korea’s presidential office said Saturday that President Lee Jae Myung was briefed about the U.S. strike and instructed the foreign ministry and other related agencies to provide protection for Koreans in Venezuela and prepare a contingency evacuation plan.

After capturing Maduro and his wife on Saturday local time and flying them to New York to face drug and weapons charges, Washington announced that it will “run” Venezuela until safe leadership is installed.