Minister Kang Kyung-wha: "New Zealand Side Mentioned Sexual Scandal Without Prior Coordination... Concern for the Public"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha bowed her head regarding the sexual harassment allegations against diplomat A that occurred at the end of 2017, which were mentioned during the summit call between President Moon Jae-in and the Prime Minister of New Zealand. The allegations were not pre-coordinated before the summit call.

On the 25th, Minister Kang stated at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting, "Regardless of the circumstances, I apologize for putting the President in an uncomfortable position." She continued, "The call was requested by the New Zealand side," and explained, "During the process of coordinating the agenda, the New Zealand side did not mention that they would address this issue." She also apologized, saying, "This issue was a significant burden on diplomacy and caused concern among the public."

Earlier, Minister Kang held a video conference with bureau chiefs and mentioned the sexual harassment allegations, stating, "We received an investigation report from the Blue House indicating that there were problems in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' response from the initial occurrence of the incident to the summit call," and added, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will review this and promptly take appropriate measures."

Previously, in July, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern raised the issue of sexual harassment allegations against a Korean diplomat during a call with President Moon Jae-in, causing a stir. Minister Kang mentioned that going forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will apply stricter standards to sexual misconduct cases regardless of when they occur, instruct the supplementation of related provisions and strengthening of internal education, and enhance communication with the New Zealand side to ensure the fair resolution of the incident.

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