Police to Investigate Soma Japanese Consul for "Disparaging President Moon" Until Return to Japan

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] The police plan to continue the investigation procedures against Soma Hirohisa, the Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in Korea, who made inappropriate remarks about President Moon Jae-in on the 1st.

The police will take necessary steps, such as asking whether Minister-Counselor Soma will waive diplomatic immunity while in the country or appear for questioning.

Earlier, on the 19th of last month, the Anti-Corruption and National Participation Solidarity filed a complaint with the police against Minister-Counselor Soma on charges of insult and defamation, and the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Anti-Corruption and Public Crime Investigation Unit is investigating. It is reported that Minister-Counselor Soma used sexual expressions during a luncheon with domestic media on the 15th of last month, disparaging President Moon's efforts to improve Korea-Japan relations.