"Even Trump Held His Own Umbrella" Deputy Attorney General Faces 'Excessive Protocol' Controversy... Netizens Outraged

Caught on Camera: Staff Holding Umbrella for Vice Minister Kang Sung-guk in Heavy Rain
"What Kind of Power Abuse Is This?" Flood of Netizen Criticism
Vice Minister Kang: "I Didn't Notice... I Bow My Head and Apologize"

An employee kneeling behind Kang Sung-guk, Deputy Minister of Justice, holding an umbrella during his briefing / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] During a briefing by Deputy Minister of Justice Kang Seong-guk, a scene was captured where an employee knelt down and held an umbrella over him, sparking controversy over 'excessive protocol.' Some netizens criticized Deputy Minister Kang by sharing photos of other countries' leaders holding umbrellas themselves at official events. As the controversy grew, Deputy Minister Kang issued an apology and bowed his head.

On the 27th, Deputy Minister Kang announced initial support measures in front of the main gate immediately after special contributors from Afghanistan and their families were admitted to the temporary shelter at the National Human Resources Development Institute for Public Officials in Jincheon, Chungbuk.

At the time, heavy rain was pouring at the site. An employee was captured on camera kneeling behind Deputy Minister Kang while holding an umbrella over him.

In the photo, the employee is kneeling on the asphalt soaked with rainwater while holding the umbrella. Deputy Minister Kang's briefing lasted about 10 minutes that day.

Citizens who saw the photo criticized, saying, "What kind of power abuse is this?" and "It must be heartbreaking for the employee's parents to see this."

Former President Donald Trump is holding a black umbrella in his hand as he exits the U.S. presidential aircraft, Air Force One. / Photo by Yonhap News

Some netizens also shared images of foreign leaders holding umbrellas themselves at official events. The criticism is interpreted as questioning whether providing such excessive protocol to a public official is appropriate when presidents and prime ministers of other countries carry their own umbrellas.

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, holding an umbrella / Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding this, one netizen pointed out, "Chancellor Merkel, Queen Elizabeth II, and even former President Trump carried their own umbrellas," adding, "Is Deputy Minister Kang their superior?"

Voices of criticism also emerged in the political sphere.

Im Seungho, spokesperson for the People Power Party, said in a verbal statement that day, "Is Deputy Minister Kang sugar that melts if touched by water even a little?" and criticized, "It is shocking to see a Deputy Minister of Justice, representing justice, kneeling an employee during a briefing in front of the public."

Former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min, a presidential candidate from the same party, posted the controversial photo on his Facebook that day, sarcastically criticizing, "Isn't that employee also a public servant paid by taxes?" and "This is not the Joseon Dynasty; Deputy Minister, you should reflect."

Amid the growing controversy, Deputy Minister Kang issued a statement in the afternoon and officially apologized.

He said, "Today's briefing related to the arrival of special contributors was conducted in heavy rain," and apologized, "I failed to notice the hidden efforts of our staff who spared no effort and risked themselves to ensure a solemn and efficient briefing. For this, I bow my head and sincerely apologize to the public regardless of the reason."

He continued, "Starting with myself, I will strive to ensure that the human rights of every person around me are respected and protected," bowing his head.

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