Kang Kyung-hwa "Persuaded Husband but He Decided to Leave... Difficult to Request Return" (Comprehensive)

At the Department Heads Meeting on the 4th, an Apology to the Public Was Expressed
Husband Lee Il-byeong, Yonsei University Emeritus Professor, Departed for the U.S. on the 3rd... Controversy Over Inappropriateness Amid 'Special Travel Advisory' Issued

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha expressed her apology to the public regarding the controversy over her husband, Yonsei University Professor Emeritus Lee Il-byeong's visit to the United States. However, she added that it would be difficult to request Professor Lee to return to Korea.

On the 4th, Minister Kang said at a meeting with senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in the afternoon, "I feel sorry that this happened while the public is refraining from overseas travel and other external activities."

Later, as she left the building, she told reporters that she felt sorry and that it was difficult to ask her husband to return. Minister Kang explained, "It was a trip planned and postponed for a long time, so it is difficult to tell him to come back," adding that she was aware of the travel plans in advance and had tried to persuade him.

She continued, "He is well aware of the situation and has explained it," and added, "Ultimately, he made the decision to leave himself, and I feel sorry about it."

Professor Emeritus Lee, Minister Kang's husband, departed for the United States on the 3rd for personal reasons.

In this context, criticism has been raised that it is inappropriate for the spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the responsible ministry, to travel abroad for reasons such as purchasing a yacht while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a 'special travel advisory' urging citizens to refrain from unnecessary travel due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

According to KBS, Professor Emeritus Lee Il-byeong, Kang's husband, boarded a flight to the United States at Incheon International Airport on the 3rd to purchase a yacht and travel. When asked by KBS reporters about the purpose of his departure, he replied, "I'm just going on a trip. It's a free travel."

Regarding the criticism that the government recommended refraining from overseas travel, he said, "COVID-19 is not going to disappear in a day or two. So, you can't just stay at home all the time."

Professor Lee is expected to meet the seller in the United States to purchase a yacht and then travel abroad by yacht. He has posted these plans on his public blog for several months.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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