US Embassy in Korea Removes 'Black Lives Matter' Banner After Two Days

Embassy: "Demolition to Avoid Misunderstanding of Supporting Specific Organizations"
Foreign Media: "President Trump Expressed Displeasure Over Banner Posting"

On the 16th, it was confirmed that the "Black Lives Matter" banner that had been hung at the U.S. Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 13th was taken down and removed.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] It was confirmed on the 16th that the banner reading "Black Lives Matter" that had been hung on the building of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul was removed.

According to major foreign news agencies such as AP, the embassy took down the banner two days after putting it up on the 13th, removing it on the 15th. Foreign media cited multiple sources familiar with the matter, reporting that the banner was taken down after President Donald Trump expressed displeasure about its display.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Korea explained the reason for the removal, saying, "U.S. Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris decided to hang the BLACK LIVES MATTER banner to convey a message of solidarity with Americans concerned about racial discrimination, especially racial violence against African Americans." The spokesperson added, "Ambassador Harris ordered the removal to avoid misunderstandings that American taxpayers' money was being used to benefit a specific organization, as there was no intention to endorse or solicit donations for any particular institution."

The spokesperson further stated, "This does not diminish the principles and ideals expressed by displaying the banner. The embassy will find other ways to convey America's core values even during these difficult times."

Earlier, on the 13th, the U.S. Embassy in Korea posted a photo of the banner on Twitter, stating, "The U.S. Embassy in Korea shares the grief of the American people and supports peaceful protests for positive change," and added, "The #BlackLivesMatter banner installed at the embassy is a protest against racial discrimination and police brutality, demonstrating our commitment to a more inclusive and just society."

On the same day, Ambassador Harris tweeted, "I believe in President John F. Kennedy's words: 'If we can eliminate our differences now, at least we can help create a safe world that respects diversity.' America is a free country that guarantees diversity, and from diversity, we gain strength."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.