[2020 National Audit] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha Raises Issue with NSC over Controversy of Being 'Passed Over' in Blue House Security Meeting

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Not Notified of Emergency Security Ministers' Meeting After Official's Killing
Regarding Jo Seong-gil, Former North Korean Charg? d'Affaires in Italy, "Not a Matter for Public Discussion"

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is delivering opening remarks at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held at the National Assembly on the 7th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha revealed that she raised an issue with the National Security Council (NSC) regarding the Blue House convening an emergency meeting of related ministers over the civil servant killing incident that occurred last month in the West Sea without informing her.

Minister Kang explained on the 7th during the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee’s audit that immediately after the North Korean military shot the South Korean civil servant, the Blue House convened an emergency meeting of related ministers, but even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff learned about it through the media.

In response to Rep. Jeong Jin-seok’s question on whether the Blue House 'passed over' the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she replied, "I do not think so," adding, "I am in frequent contact with the National Security Office chief." She further stated, "I believed there was clearly a problem with not receiving the meeting notice, so I raised the issue at the next NSC Standing Committee meeting, requested correction, and it was rectified."

Regarding the recent exclusion of Minister Kang from a luncheon attended by minister-level officials including Presidential Chief of Staff Noh Young-min, National Security Office chief Suh Hoon, and Minister of Unification Lee In-young, she explained, "Luncheons are informal gatherings where those available can meet comfortably, and I also frequently attend such luncheons."

Meanwhile, on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ role in the repatriation process of former North Korean Deputy Ambassador to Italy Cho Seong-gil, she responded, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs fulfilled its role sufficiently," but added, "However, it is difficult to disclose detailed information."

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