[2020 National Audit] Repeated Sexual Misconduct Cases at Overseas Diplomatic Missions, Kang Kyung-wha "Feeling Leadership Limits... Transforming Male-Dominated Organization"

The South Korean Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria Sexual Misconduct Case: "Thorough Investigation at Headquarters Level"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha expressed that she feels the limits of her leadership regarding the repeated sexual misconduct incidents occurring at overseas diplomatic missions, but she believes this is a transitional period for the male-dominated Ministry of Foreign Affairs organization.

Minister Kang appeared at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit and responded to Rep. Lee Tae-gyu's question about whether she is willing to take responsibility for the ongoing sexual misconduct incidents at overseas missions by saying, "I feel some limits to my leadership as the minister regarding the continuous occurrence of various incidents and accidents," adding, "However, on the other hand, I think the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is undergoing a transformation from a closed, male-centered organization that has lasted for decades."

Minister Kang also explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now has a system in place, and unlike in the past, reporting and investigations can be conducted. She said, "Because employees' awareness of their rights has increased and a system has been established that allows reporting to be done more safely and freely, unlike before, reporting and investigations can now be carried out."

She added, "If the public evaluates that my leadership has reached its limit and the President also makes an assessment, I believe an appropriate decision will be made accordingly."

Regarding the sexual misconduct incident involving an employee at the Korean Embassy in Nigeria, she stated that a thorough investigation will be conducted at the headquarters level. Minister Kang emphasized, "Although I reported that the victim did not want punishment, if that was false, I cannot tolerate it either," and added, "We will conduct a thorough investigation at the headquarters level."