The Jeolla Nam provincial government in Korea announced today that it sent official apology letters to the Viet Nam and Sri Lanka embassies, concerning offensive remarks made by Jindo District Chief Kim Hee-soo about women.
On 4/2, Mr. Kim Hee-soo proposed the idea of "importing virgins from places like Viet Nam or Sri Lanka" to counter the risk of "population extinction," sparking public outrage in Korea. On 6/2, the Viet Nam Embassy in Korea sent an official letter to the offices of the Jeolla Nam Provincial Governor and the Jindo District Chief, reacting to the remarks. The embassy described the language as "insulting and unprofessional," urging a serious and constructive reassessment and rectification of the issue.
In its response to the Viet Nam and Sri Lanka embassies in Korea, the Jeolla Nam provincial government extended a formal apology to the involved countries, their governments, embassies, citizens, and the women harmed by Mr. Kim's statement, which it deemed "inappropriate and unjustifiable under any circumstances".
"We deeply apologize," the letter stated, acknowledging that the use of the term "import" damaged human dignity and completely contradicted the values of respect, gender equality, and multicultural integration that the province upholds.
The province pledged to strengthen measures to ensure human rights, enhance gender awareness, and prevent similar incidents from recurring.
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Chu tich huyen Jindo Kim Hee-soo. Anh: MK
Mr. Kim Hee-soo's controversial statement originated during a seminar on 4/2 concerning the merger of Gwangju and Jeolla Nam provinces. During the discussion, the district chief addressed Korea's population decline, noting that 20% of the 89 regions nationwide facing "population extinction" are located in Jeolla Nam province.
"We should import women from places like Sri Lanka or Viet Nam to marry single men in rural areas, and then implement special measures," Mr. Kim said in a video broadcast live on YouTube.
Mr. Kim used the word "cheonyeo," which means "virgin" in Korean. While it can also be loosely translated as "unmarried young woman," its literal and dictionary meaning in Korean refers specifically to "virgin."
In response to public backlash, Mr. Kim apologized on the same day, clarifying that he did not intend to offend any country or individual.
Criticism of Mr. Kim's remarks has continued. A Korean social media user commented, "Many foreign women have lived among us in Jindo as family and neighbors. Mr. Kim's statement caused deep hurt, making them feel insulted and alienated."
According to the Vietnamese Women's Union in Korea, there are currently 181,436 foreign marriage immigrants registered as residents in Korea, including 41,779 Vietnamese brides. If those who have acquired citizenship are included, this number exceeds 100,000 people.
Duc Trung (According to Korea Times, Korea JoongAng Daily, MK News)
