Pres. Lee decides not to attend NATO summit

Meanwhile, Seoul has also been closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East.

Just hours after the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung decided not to attend the upcoming NATO summit in the Netherlands.

Our Presidential Office Correspondent Yoon Jung-min reports.

At the last moment, South Korea's president decided on Sunday not to attend the NATO summit slated for this week in the Hague.

President Lee Jae Myung considered participating in the multilateral summit despite "piles of" pending issues at home, but after long consideration, decided not to attend, citing various domestic issues and growing uncertainty in the Middle East.

It was a call made hours after the U.S. bombed nuclear sites in Iran amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Observers believe the latest incidents could have complicated any possible talks between President Lee and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump with the U.S. deadline for tariff negotiations looming.

Coordination will be made with NATO as to who will be attending the meeting on behalf of Lee.

Also on Sunday, South Korea's top office held an emergency meeting presided over by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac following the U.S. attack on Iran to check on its potential impact on the nation's security and the economy.

Particular emphasis was placed on the lives and safety of the public.

"Wi called for close coordination among relevant ministries to minimize any fallout on the security of the Korean Peninsula and the economy."

Seoul is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and its impact on oil and financial markets.

Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.