Tensions Rise Between New Zealand and South Korea Over Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Korean Diplomat... Could It Escalate into a Diplomatic Issue?

New Zealand Requests Cooperation from Korean Government for Repatriation of Its Diplomat
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Disappointed with Korea"

▲Winston Peters, New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] New Zealand is pressuring the South Korean government to cooperate by allowing judicial procedures to proceed in New Zealand, rather than protecting the diplomat accused of sexual harassment.

According to local New Zealand media on the 2nd, it was reported that New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern expressed disappointment during a phone call with President Moon Jae-in last week regarding the handling of the diplomat accused of sexual harassment.

The diplomat is accused of three counts of sexual harassment, including grabbing the buttocks of a male staff member at the South Korean Embassy in New Zealand while working there in 2017.

The New Zealand Herald reported, "They expressed disappointment that the South Korean government has not waived the diplomat's immunity to allow the police investigation to progress."

It added, "This issue now depends on how the South Korean government will handle it going forward."

The case reached the point where an arrest warrant was issued by the Wellington District Court in February, but the diplomat involved denied the allegations and is currently known to be working in a third country.

The Herald pointed out that the South Korean government has so far not cooperated in sending the diplomat back to New Zealand to face trial.

A spokesperson for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they have conveyed a strong position to the South Korean Embassy and government, saying, "We are in contact with the South Korean government at a high level, and they are well aware of our position."

He continued, "We take the issues raised in this case seriously and recognize the suffering of the victim," adding, "All diplomats are required to comply with the laws and regulations of the host country."

He revealed that in September last year, they requested the South Korean government to waive the diplomat's immunity to allow police evidence investigation at the South Korean Embassy, but the request was refused.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said, "This request was made to the South Korean Ambassador in Wellington and the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul, but it was rejected," calling it "a disappointing decision."

He further explained that since the diplomat left New Zealand in February 2018 and is no longer stationed there, diplomatic immunity does not apply, stating, "New Zealand's position is that all diplomats are expected to follow the laws of the host country, take legal responsibility for their actions, and allow New Zealand police investigations."

A close associate of the victim said that the victim has not given up hope that justice will eventually be served.

The Herald reported that the victim is currently receiving support from a New Zealand sexual abuse victim support organization.

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