"Don't Send Money"... 'Miss Iran' Who Criticized Korean Government Receives Call from Foreign Ministry

Hoda Niku (29), a model and actress who was previously crowned in the Miss Iran pageant, publicly criticized the Korean government's decision to provide humanitarian aid worth a total of 500,000 dollars (approximately 740 million won) to Iran via her social media (SNS) account. She has since deleted the post and explained that there had been a misunderstanding.

On April 17, Hoda Niku stated on Instagram, "I had a direct phone conversation with a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the post I uploaded yesterday (the 16th)."

Hoda Niku. Instagram

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She continued, "I received a detailed explanation about Korea's humanitarian aid. I was told that medicines and food will be delivered through the International Red Cross, and that continuous management will ensure the aid reaches those in need." She added, "Through this opportunity, I was able to gain a more accurate understanding," and expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official for kindly explaining things despite their busy schedule.

Previously, on April 14, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its decision to provide humanitarian aid to Iran worth 500,000 dollars through the International Committee of the Red Cross. This marks the second case of humanitarian aid related to the Middle East situation, following the 2 million dollar (approximately 2.94 billion won) assistance provided to Lebanon last month.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We hope that this aid will help alleviate the humanitarian situation in the affected areas." This support was in response to urgent requests for assistance from international organizations such as the United Nations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), amid the recent escalation of the crisis in the Middle East.

Hoda Niku. Instagram Capture

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After news of the aid spread, she posted on her SNS on April 15, "If money is sent to Iran at this time, it will go to the dictatorial regime responsible for massacring 40,000 people-not the people-where it will be used for terrorism or purchasing weapons." She asserted, "Not a single dollar of that money will ever reach ordinary citizens."

She added, "I am opposed to actions that openly support terrorism. The people of Iran have been waiting for 47 years for this regime to disappear," and appealed, "Even in the midst of having to endure the suffering caused by a dictatorial regime they cannot remove themselves-in the hope that outside intervention will bring it down-the people continue to persevere."

After debate over her comments continued, Hoda Niku deleted the post. She then uploaded a new message, stating, "I am aware my words may have come across as strong," and explained, "I was expressing the frustration of the Iranian people who have been reaching out to me."

Meanwhile, Hoda Niku placed third in the 2018 Miss Iran pageant. After coming to Korea to study abroad, she has been living in Korea, working as a model and YouTuber, and appearing in programs such as KBS's "My Neighbor, Charles."

At the same time, as an Iranian living in Korea, she has been actively raising awareness of the serious situation in her home country, including organizing protests against the Khamenei regime. When the United States and Israel attacked Iran, she said, "I do not think anyone sincerely welcomes war," but also stated, "The people of Iran have endured immense suffering over the past 47 years and have tried many times to coexist with this government."

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