Despite Kang Sung-guk's Excessive Protocol Explanation... Controversy Over Captured 'Bad Hand'

On the 27th, at the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon, Chungbuk, during the 'Briefing on Support for the Settlement of Korean-Afghan Cooperation Personnel,' a public official is pulling down the arm of an aide standing behind Kang Sung-guk, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
[Photo by YTN]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] While Deputy Minister of Justice Kang Seong-guk was briefing at a rainy site, a Ministry of Justice employee was seen kneeling and holding an umbrella, drawing criticism and raising further doubts despite the Ministry's explanation.

Earlier on the 27th, Deputy Minister Kang held a briefing on "Support for the Settlement of Koreans Cooperating with Afghans" at the National Human Resources Development Institute for Public Officials in Jincheon, Chungbuk. However, at the rainy site, a scene was captured showing the deputy minister’s secretary kneeling on the asphalt ground, holding an umbrella with both hands.

As controversy over "excessive protocol" grew, a Ministry of Justice spokesperson explained, "This happened because the on-site reporters asked to lower their bodies for filming. It was not an action based on any orders or instructions." Deputy Minister Kang also stated in a press release, "I apologize deeply to the public for not noticing the staff’s wholehearted efforts to ensure a solemn and efficient briefing, regardless of the reason."

However, footage from the press conference revealed scenes contradicting the Ministry’s explanation, continuing the controversy. Outside the frame focusing on Deputy Minister Kang, an arm in a yellow public official uniform appears, pulling the secretary’s arm away. The individual then points toward the ground, seemingly instructing the secretary to sit down.

Previously, opposition parties raised critical voices regarding this. Im Seung-ho, spokesperson for the People Power Party, called it "an emperor-like protocol that makes one doubt their eyes," and former lawmaker and presidential candidate Yoo Seung-min criticized on Facebook, "Isn’t that employee also a public official paid by taxpayers?"

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