"Jamboree Incident, Show Crisis Response Capability" Statement by Minister of Gender Equality and Family Under Fire

Concerns Over Future International Event Hosting "No Impact Expected"
Inappropriate Remarks Noted by Minister of the Supervising Department

Kim Hyun-sook, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, who has been facing public criticism during the preparation process of the '2023 Saemangeum World Scout Jamboree,' has sparked controversy again by stating that the early withdrawal incident related to the Jamboree is "an opportunity to demonstrate South Korea's crisis response capabilities to the world."

On the 8th, Minister Kim said at a briefing held at the Saemangeum Jamboree Press Center in the afternoon, "I believe this is a moment to showcase South Korea's capabilities to the world through crisis response," adding, "(This incident) actually allows us to demonstrate South Korea's crisis management abilities."

Kim Hyun-sook, Minister of Gender Equality and Family, is entering the emergency response team meeting for the Saemangeum Jamboree held on the 9th at the situation room inside the Government Seoul Office. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

At the briefing held at the Saemangeum Jamboree Press Center that day, Minister Kim responded to concerns that the incident might affect future bids to host international events.

Minister Kim said, "I think now is rather a time to show South Korea's capabilities to the world through crisis response," and added, "(This incident) actually allows us to demonstrate South Korea's crisis management abilities."

She continued, "Since such (crisis response) aspects can be well reflected in the Busan Expo, I believe it will not have an impact."

Her remarks have been criticized as inappropriate for the head of the supervising ministry, given that the Jamboree was effectively disrupted due to insufficient heatwave measures, hygiene, and health issues, reflecting a lack of preparation.

Minister Kim also criticized for briefing on the 6th

Earlier, Minister Kim faced public criticism for her remarks during a briefing on the 6th regarding allegations of sexual misconduct occurring on the premises, where she said, "I was informed that it was minor."

This was particularly controversial because the head of a ministry aiming to improve women's rights and ensure safety spoke about sexual misconduct allegations, whose circumstances were not clearly clarified, in a dismissive manner.

When this statement became controversial, Minister Kim clarified the next day, saying, "When I said 'minor,' I did not mean that the sexual misconduct itself was minor at all. I was reporting what I received from the police, who classified it as trespassing, so I said I was informed it was minor."

On the 8th, Ecuadorian scouts of the World Scout Jamboree arrived at the Imsil Youth Training Center in Imsil-gun, Jeonbuk, and are taking a commemorative photo.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

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