New Zealand Diplomat Under Normal Call Faces 'Sexual Harassment Allegations'... Ministry of Foreign Affairs Discusses Response Measures Late

Current Status of Investigation Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emphasizes "Individual Decision"
MOFA Already Took Disciplinary Action Through Internal Audit...Local Media Reports Bring Issue Back to Surface

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Allegations that a diplomat stationed at the South Korean Embassy in New Zealand in 2017 sexually harassed a local male employee have surfaced in a phone call between the South Korean and New Zealand heads of state, raising concerns of a diplomatic issue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already conducted an internal investigation into the diplomat and imposed a one-month salary reduction as disciplinary action, but the matter resurfaced on the 25th following a report by New Zealand media.

On the 29th, President Moon Jae-in reportedly expressed during a phone call with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that the issue would be addressed after verifying the facts related to the sexual harassment allegations. A senior Blue House official explained, "It was a brief mention toward the end of the call between President Moon and the New Zealand Prime Minister," adding, "The New Zealand Prime Minister referred to the incident reported by her country's media, and the President responded that relevant authorities would verify the facts and take appropriate action."

Earlier, New Zealand broadcaster NewsHub reported on the 25th that despite allegations that South Korean diplomat Mr. A sexually harassed a male employee three times while serving at the South Korean Embassy in New Zealand in 2017, the South Korean government responded uncooperatively, preventing an investigation by New Zealand police. It was also reported that the New Zealand court issued an arrest warrant for diplomat Mr. A in February and requested cooperation from the South Korean government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced itself by stating that whether to comply with the New Zealand judicial authorities' investigation is a matter for the individual to decide. However, following the mention in the heads-of-state call, it is known that the ministry is discussing countermeasures centered around the Personnel System Team, the Inspector General's Office, and the International Legal Affairs Bureau. Diplomat Mr. A left New Zealand in 2018, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conducted an internal audit resulting in a one-month salary reduction. Since then, diplomat Mr. A has been serving as Consul General at another South Korean diplomatic mission in a different country.

In an interview with NewsHub, Lee Sang-jin, South Korea’s Ambassador to New Zealand, stated, "Whether diplomat Mr. A will enter New Zealand to undergo investigation is a decision for him to make." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated on the 27th, "Considering that the facts of the case have not been confirmed and the need to protect personal information, it is not appropriate to respond at this stage."

Meanwhile, the sexual harassment victim has filed a complaint with the South Korean National Human Rights Commission regarding the matter. The Human Rights Commission is expected to release the results of its investigation soon.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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