Kang Sung-guk, Deputy Minister of Justice, Faces 'Excessive Protocol' Controversy... "Apologizes with Head Bowed Regardless of Reason"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Excessive protocol has been criticized after a staff member knelt on the floor and held an umbrella over Deputy Minister of Justice Kang Seong-guk when it rained during a briefing on support measures for special entrants from Afghanistan.

On the 27th, Deputy Minister Kang announced initial support measures for Afghan special contributors and their families in front of the main gate right after they entered the National Human Resources Development Institute for Public Officials in Jincheon, Chungbuk.

The briefing lasted about 10 minutes, during which it was raining on site, and the press captured a staff member kneeling behind Deputy Minister Kang holding an umbrella over him.

After the situation was reported, controversy over excessive protocol arose. A Ministry of Justice official explained, "Many reporters gathered, so to prevent COVID-19, the briefing was held outdoors in the rain. At first, a staff member was holding an umbrella beside the deputy minister, but when the press asked them to move aside, the staff awkwardly took a horse-riding stance." The official added, "When their legs started hurting, the staff voluntarily knelt down and took a posture so that only the umbrella was visible."

As the controversy escalated, Deputy Minister Kang stated, "I failed to notice the hidden efforts of our staff who spared no effort to ensure a solemn and efficient briefing." He added, "Regardless of the reason, I bow my head and apologize to the people. Furthermore, I will strive to ensure that the human rights of every person around me, including myself, are respected and protected. I am sorry."

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