As Soon as He Shook Hands with Moon, He 'Swiped' His Pants... US Media Criticizes Harris

President Moon Jae-in, visiting the United States, is greeting U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on the morning of the 21st (local time) at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, is facing severe criticism from local media after it was revealed that she rubbed her clothes immediately after shaking hands with President Moon Jae-in.

According to Fox News on the 22nd (local time), President Moon, who visited the U.S. for the Korea-U.S. summit, met Vice President Harris on the 21st at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House. They entered the vice president's event room together, exchanged light nods, and then each made remarks facing the cameras.

At this occasion, Vice President Harris first expressed familiarity by saying, "The place with the largest number of Korean overseas compatriots in the U.S. is my hometown, California."

In response, President Moon said, "I was impressed by the Pearl Necklace campaign that many people participated in on social media when Vice President Harris took office," adding, "I believe it was an expression of affection and support for the vice president who has led the overcoming of invisible discrimination and glass ceilings."

The controversial incident occurred at this moment. After the remarks ended, Vice President Harris said "Thank you" to President Moon and extended her hand first to initiate a handshake.

President Moon responded to Harris's handshake, and as soon as Harris withdrew her hand, she rubbed and wiped it on her suit jacket and pants, then turned her body and headed toward the balcony. This situation was captured in a YouTube video live-streamed by the White House.

Fox News reported, "Harris was caught on camera wiping her right hand on her jacket immediately after shaking hands with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House last Friday," relaying local criticism voiced on Twitter.

A critical post about Vice President Harris wiping her hand on her clothes after shaking hands with President Moon Jae-in. Photo by Twitter capture

According to Fox News, one user criticized, "Is this the Vice President of the United States?" and added, "Not only is it rude, but if a Republican had done this, they would have been labeled a 'racist' and all the news would be flooded with it. This shows a typical double standard."

Following tweets included, "Oh my! This is so embarrassing," and "Is Korea no longer our ally?"

On the other hand, some voices defended the reaction as a natural response since many Americans have become more sensitive to germs after COVID-19. Comments included, "We are living in the COVID era. I wash my hands immediately when I meet someone," and "You can't wipe viruses on your pants. Besides, Kamala is fully vaccinated."

Fox News pointed out, "It is true that most Americans have become sensitive to bacteria and viruses since the spread of COVID-19," but also noted, "However, Vice President Harris showed such concerns too conspicuously."

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