Senior Official: "It Is Inappropriate to Link This to a Diplomatic Disaster"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office issued a statement on the 22nd (local time) regarding the controversy over President Yoon Seok-yeol's 'vulgar remarks' during his visit to New York, saying, "It is highly inappropriate to link any private remarks to diplomatic achievements."
A senior official from the Presidential Office responded this way during a briefing at the local press center around midnight when asked, "There are criticisms calling President Yoon's remarks a diplomatic fiasco."
He emphasized, "Right now, the President is going through a tough schedule for the national interest of the Republic of Korea, and it is very regrettable to mention a diplomatic fiasco over such matters."
He also claimed, "It was not a public speech on stage but a passing comment. We do not know who recorded it or how, but the authenticity and facts need to be verified."
President Yoon was captured on video making remarks seemingly mocking the U.S. Congress regarding the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) as he left the 'Global Fund 7th Replenishment Conference' after a conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden the previous day.
In the video, President Yoon said, "If these XX in Congress don't approve it, what will Biden do, feeling embarrassed?"
An official who accompanied President Yoon at the time explained, "It sounds unbelievable, but I was following without paying any attention, so I don't remember at all," adding, "The next meeting was significantly delayed, so he hurriedly left while saying that, and I didn't take it seriously."
When asked if there was any intention to apologize for President Yoon's inappropriate remarks, the official reiterated a negative stance, saying, "It is clear that it was not a public statement," and "Since no official position related to any meeting was expressed, it is inappropriate to attach great significance to it."
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