26 Cases of Damage to Korean Stores... 10 Local Overseas Diplomatic Missions Also Form Emergency Response Teams
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As protests against the death of a Black American man due to excessive force by a white police officer spread across the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established a Task Force for the Protection of Overseas Nationals and is taking measures. Ten overseas diplomatic missions in the U.S. have also set up emergency response teams to prepare for any possible incidents.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 1st, as protests in the U.S. have escalated into some violent demonstrations, a total of 26 Korean-owned stores have been reported damaged so far. By state, 10 cases were reported in Minnesota, where the death incident occurred, 6 in Georgia, 6 in North and South Carolina, 3 in California, and 1 in Florida.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the Task Force for the Protection of Overseas Nationals on the same day, headed by Second Vice Minister Lee Tae-ho. Ten diplomatic missions in the U.S. have also formed emergency response teams to protect overseas nationals. On the morning of the 2nd, a video conference with the heads of these 10 missions, presided over by Vice Minister Lee, is scheduled to take place.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a safety notice for overseas nationals as violent protests spread in the U.S.
The Ministry stated, "Protests are intensifying in areas including Minneapolis and Saint Paul, as well as New York, LA, and Memphis," adding, "Since the Governor of Minnesota has even issued a National Guard mobilization order for Minneapolis and Saint Paul, nationals staying or visiting these areas should closely monitor media reports and related information to avoid harm, pay special attention to safety, and avoid approaching protest areas."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is maintaining an emergency contact network with Korean community organizations in the affected areas to thoroughly assess and prevent damage to Korean nationals and will provide necessary consular assistance if any damage occurs.
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