Diplomatic Issue Escalated: New Zealand Diplomat Sexual Harassment Case 'Mediation Settled'

Embassy of South Korea in New Zealand: "Mediation talks between victim and deceased's family underway for resolution... amicable settlement despite differences"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The sexual harassment case involving a Korean diplomat, A, and a local staff member in New Zealand, which once escalated into a diplomatic issue between Korea and New Zealand, has been finally resolved through private mediation.

The Korean Embassy in New Zealand issued a press release on the 7th, stating that a mediation agreement was reached between the victim, a local administrative staff member who recently worked at the Wellington embassy, and the private party. The embassy explained, "Both parties confirmed that their differences were resolved amicably." However, the details of the private agreement will not be disclosed due to confidentiality clauses.

The local male staff member, the victim, reported to judicial authorities that he was sexually harassed three times by Korean diplomat A while working at the Korean Embassy in New Zealand in 2017. Before a formal investigation began, A left New Zealand in February 2018 and was reassigned to another diplomatic mission according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs personnel decisions. Subsequently, the Ministry confirmed the incident through an internal audit and imposed a one-month salary reduction penalty in February last year.

However, the issue resurfaced through the victim and his representative, and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern mentioned the incident during a summit call with President Moon Jae-in in July, despite no prior coordination, escalating it into a diplomatic matter. As the issue grew, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a recall order for diplomat A in early August, and A returned to Korea on August 18, 14 days later.

Meanwhile, it is unlikely that New Zealand will request extradition of the Korean diplomat. Prime Minister Ardern stated at a press conference last month that although it was not her decision, New Zealand judicial authorities do not plan to request extradition of the diplomat.