"Iranian Model Criticizes Korean Government: 'Not Even One Dollar of Aid Reaches the People'"

Government to Provide $500,000 in Aid via ICRC
Miss Iran Publicly Opposes Government’s Relief Decision

Hoda Niku, an Iranian model active in South Korea, has publicly voiced her opposition to the South Korean government's decision to provide humanitarian aid to Iran. Her statement goes beyond a personal opinion and is fueling debate over the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance and its political ramifications amid ongoing tensions between the Iranian regime and the international community.

Hoda Niku, an Iranian model active in South Korea, has publicly opposed the South Korean government's decision to provide humanitarian aid to Iran. Hoda Niku SNS

On April 15, Hoda Niku posted on her social media (SNS), stating, "If money is sent to Iran at this time, it will go not to the people but to the dictatorial regime, where it will be used for terrorism or weapons purchases." She went on to say, "Not even a single dollar of that money will reach ordinary citizens," strongly criticizing the decision by adding, "This is effectively no different from supporting terrorism."

Hoda Niku highlighted the situation inside Iran and questioned the international community’s approach. She explained, "The Iranian people have been waiting for 47 years for the current regime to disappear, and have been living in a system where they cannot change it themselves." She added, "They are enduring change amidst external pressure and internal sacrifice." Furthermore, she stressed, "What the Iranian people want is not financial support, but ensuring that no aid in their name reaches the regime in any form."

"The Iranian People Want the Regime to Fall... Opposing Any Form of Support"

Hoda Niku’s remarks align with the anti-government sentiment present within Iran. For decades, there has been ongoing criticism in Iran over political oppression and human rights violations. In particular, the large-scale anti-government protests that erupted following the "Hijab Death Controversy" in 2022 drew international attention, and since then, controversies over restrictions on freedom of expression and harsh crackdowns have continued. International human rights organizations have pointed out that the Iranian government has used excessive force against protesters, and have raised serious concerns regarding executions and the persecution of political prisoners.

Hoka Niku's statement resonates with the anti-government sentiment in Iran. In fact, for decades, criticisms have been consistently raised in Iran regarding political oppression and human rights violations. Hoka Niku Instagram

The Iranian regime has also faced strong sanctions from the United States and Western countries over its nuclear development and efforts to expand military influence in the Middle East. The United States and Israel, in particular, have accused Iran of supporting armed groups in the region, leading to ongoing military tensions. Recently, the possibility of armed conflict between the parties has increased, creating a situation that is virtually on the brink of war.

Against this international backdrop, Hoda Niku emphasized that the South Korean government’s latest support decision is also politically inappropriate. She stated, "In a situation where there is a possibility of regime change and a new government taking power, keeping a distance from the current regime could be the better long-term choice," and added, "Considering future relations with a new Iran, the current support should be approached with caution." She also warned, "Any support at this time could ultimately serve to sustain the regime or strengthen its military power," likening the action to "pouring water into a bottomless vessel."

First Decision to Provide Aid Since the 2023 Earthquake... First Support Since the Outbreak of War

The South Korean government has stated that this support is a purely humanitarian measure, unrelated to any political objectives. Recently, the government decided to provide humanitarian aid to Iran worth approximately USD 500,000 (about 736 million won), which will be delivered through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The aid consists of relief supplies necessary for basic survival and health, such as hygiene products and medicines.

This support is significant as it marks the first humanitarian measure since military tensions escalated between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The last time the South Korean government provided aid to Iran was during the earthquake in northwestern Iran in 2023, when it offered around USD 300,000—making this the first such initiative in about three years. At that time as well, the aid was delivered indirectly via international organizations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that "this aid will help alleviate the humanitarian situation in the affected region," and reiterated that "regardless of the political situation, protecting the lives and safety of civilians is the responsibility of the international community." This reaffirms the existing stance that, under the principles of international humanitarianism, support for civilians in conflict areas should continue.

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