"The South Korean Embassy in Vietnam expressed deep regret over the inappropriate remarks made by a South Korean local official concerning Vietnamese women", the South Korean Embassy in Vietnam posted on Facebook on 9/2, quoting Ambassador Choi Young Sam.
The Embassy further stated that the Jindo district administration also considered this a serious issue, damaging multicultural values and human rights. They have issued an official apology, pledging thorough measures to prevent recurrence.
"South Korea and Vietnam are two nations with a 'comprehensive strategic partnership' and close friends. Therefore, South Korea highly values its relationship with Vietnam. The South Korean Embassy in Vietnam will continue to actively support strengthening exchanges between the two peoples based on mutual respect and understanding", the statement read.
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Kim Hee-soo, Jindo district chief. Photo: KBC |
Kim Hee-soo, Jindo district chief. Photo: KBC
Kim Hee-soo, Jindo district chief, in Jeolla Nam province, recently caused public outrage with his idea of "importing young women from places like Vietnam or Sri Lanka" to address the risk of "population extinction".
South Korea faces a serious population decline, and its officials have sought various measures to boost the birth rate to avert "population extinction". However, an idea like Kim's was unprecedented and met with a wave of angry protests from both South Koreans and the Vietnamese and Sri Lankan communities in the country.
The Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea sent a diplomatic note to officials in Jeolla Nam province and Jindo district on 6/2, deeming these remarks offensive and unacceptable. It urged that the issue be seriously addressed and rectified in a constructive spirit.
Kim apologized on 4/2, explaining he did not intend to offend any nation or individual. However, his apology failed to alleviate public anger. He was later expelled from the Democratic Party of Korea for "serious violation".
Ngoc Anh
