President Lee’s Social Media Controversy over Israel... Cho Hyun Says "No Diplomatic Conflict, Maintained Communication with Israel"

Ruling and Opposition Lawmakers Clash Over SNS Post at Foreign Affairs Committee
Minister Cho Hyun Dismisses Claims of Diplomatic Tension with Israel

On April 15, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun addressed the controversy surrounding President Lee Jaemyung's social media (SNS) message regarding Israel, stating, "We have been in close communication with the Israeli side, and Israel has understood the situation. There have been no further statements from them, and the matter has been resolved smoothly."

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun attended the plenary meeting of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee held at the National Assembly on the 15th, responding to current issues. 2026.4.15 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee on the same day, Minister Cho responded to questions from both ruling and opposition lawmakers, saying, "The fact that the head of state expressed a position on this issue is closely linked to the identity of the Republic of Korea, above all else, and emphasizes the importance of universal human rights and international humanitarian law. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we clearly understood the intent and purpose behind the SNS post."

Minister Cho also reported, "Ambassador Park Inho to Israel met a senior official from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs at an event and reported hearing, 'We thank the Korean side for the explanation.'"

In response to a question from Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jaegang about whether President Lee’s post had caused diplomatic friction, Minister Cho replied, "There was no diplomatic conflict."

However, he clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not been consulted before the President posted the message. Minister Cho explained, "That is because there is a National Security Office at the presidential office."

When asked by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Sangwook about what diplomatic benefits President Lee's message might bring, Minister Cho replied, "There certainly could be some, but it is difficult for me to specify what benefits it might bring," adding, "We explain that the emphasis was on principles such as the peaceful resolution of disputes."

Opposition lawmakers strongly criticized the matter, calling it an international embarrassment. Kim Kimoon, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, pointed out, "At a time when the United States and Iran were just about to hold ceasefire negotiations, the President caused an incident on SNS. After that, 20 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz, but not a single Korean vessel did. What diplomatic gains were achieved?"

In response to People Power Party lawmaker Bae Hyunjin's remark advising, "Warn against carelessly and thoughtlessly posting on SNS," Minister Cho replied, "I do not consider this an embarrassment, and since I have a different opinion, I will not accept your suggestion."

Minister Cho also addressed Democratic Party lawmakers continuing to defend the President, saying, "I hope this issue will not continue to be raised as a matter of controversy in the committee," and added, "I am quite troubled because this issue leads to distortions of fact and places a burden on diplomatic relations."

During the meeting, Minister of Unification Chung Dongyoung also defended President Lee's SNS remarks. Minister Chung stated, "As a country that has achieved both democratic restoration and economic success, Korea should now exercise its moral influence. The President's statement considered both principle and national interest."

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