Suspicion of Visa Favoritism for Choo Mi-ae's Daughter, Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Investigating the Facts"

In 2017, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Staff Dispatched to National Assembly Provided Only General Guidance to Chu Mi-ae Side
First Deputy Minister Choi Jong-geon Holds First Face-to-Face Diplomacy with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Biegun on the 10th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it is verifying the facts regarding allegations that Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, during her tenure as the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea in 2017, requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite the visa issuance for her daughter’s study abroad in France.

On the 8th, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kim In-cheol stated at a regular briefing that they are "verifying the facts" concerning the allegations about Minister Choo’s daughter’s visa issuance, but added that it seems the request did not go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Earlier, a media outlet reported that in 2017, a secretary to then Democratic Party leader Choo requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expedite the visa for Choo’s daughter, who was preparing to study in France.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed with the parliamentary liaison officer at the time that visa issuance decisions are made by the respective country, and that the Ministry’s role is limited. They reportedly conveyed this general response and did not take further action.

Spokesperson Kim explained, "We are also investigating matters related to the Embassy of France," and added, "We are checking whether the relevant staff have any knowledge of the issue."

Additionally, First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-geon will meet with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun, his dialogue partner, in Washington on the 10th (local time) for consultations. Vice Minister Choi and Deputy Secretary Biegun had a phone call on the 2nd and are expected to hold their first face-to-face diplomatic meeting since taking office.

Spokesperson Kim said, "The two vice ministers had their first phone call last week and agreed to meet as soon as possible," adding, "The consultations on the 10th will involve broad discussions on overall Korea-U.S. relations and regional issues of mutual interest."

Meanwhile, Minister Kang Kyung-wha will attend the ASEAN-related foreign ministers’ meetings held virtually from the 9th to the 12th. Minister Kang is expected to emphasize the need for solidarity and cooperation amid the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss the Korean Peninsula peace process and ways to deepen Korea-ASEAN cooperation during the series of meetings.

This meeting is anticipated to serve as an opportunity to maintain the momentum of Korea’s enhanced diplomacy toward ASEAN, which was elevated during last year’s Korea-ASEAN Special Summit, and to once again call for international attention and efforts regarding the Korean Peninsula peace process.

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