Minister Kang Kyung-hwa: "Overseas Mission Appointees, Please Be Careful with Words and Actions That Reflect National Dignity"

New Appointment Ceremony for Public Office Unpaid Personnel and Oath-taking Ceremony Held
Urging Thorough Measures to Protect Overseas Koreans Amid COVID-19 Spread

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is speaking at the 3rd Diplomatic Strategy Coordination Meeting held on the afternoon of the 28th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul to evaluate and share the situation of the US-China conflict and discuss response measures. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha urged those scheduled to be assigned to overseas diplomatic missions to exercise caution in their words and actions befitting the nation's dignity.

On the 5th, Minister Kang emphasized this during her opening remarks at the 'Autumn Appointment Ceremony and Oath-taking for New Overseas Mission Appointees' held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. She stated, "Overseas missions perform various roles and functions for the national interest of the Republic of Korea and represent the country," adding, "Please approach every task with strong pride and a sense of duty."

Minister Kang's remarks appear to be a call to prevent recurrence to new appointees following renewed media attention on allegations that a diplomat, Mr. A, who served at the Korean Embassy in New Zealand, sexually harassed a local male employee.

She also stressed the importance of thorough efforts to protect overseas nationals on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Kang said, "The government has prioritized the protection of the lives and safety of overseas nationals and has made great efforts to support citizens facing difficulties abroad," adding, "Thanks to the active efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, related ministries, and overseas missions during the COVID-19 pandemic, 45,000 of our citizens safely returned home from 119 countries."

She also highlighted the achievements in facilitating the entry of essential personnel such as businesspeople. She stated, "To assist our businesspeople facing difficulties due to foreign entry restrictions, we have actively negotiated with relevant countries, enabling approximately 16,000 businesspeople to enter 18 countries exceptionally," emphasizing, "Currently, 427 of our overseas nationals are suffering as confirmed COVID-19 cases, and we have been providing active support to them as circumstances permit."

She added a request to do their best in protecting overseas nationals amid the prolonged COVID-19 situation. Minister Kang said, "As the COVID-19 situation continues and is expected to prolong, with some countries experiencing resurgences, the protection of overseas nationals will remain a high-intensity task for missions," and urged, "Those of you who will stand at the forefront of our government as overseas missions should recognize this well and make your best efforts."

The event was attended by a limited number of people, including about 140 appointees and representatives from various fields such as finance, economy, and maritime affairs, including Vice Foreign Minister Oh, in accordance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines.