‘Yoon's Excessive Protocol Demands’ Prompt Dutch Ambassador's Summons, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Steps In to Manage Situation

Disagreement over Security and Protocol for Yoon's State Visit
South Korean Ambassador to the Netherlands Summoned
Foreign Ministry Calls It Part of Communication Effort
First State Visit in 62 Years
Controversy over Communication and Expertise in Diplomatic Protocol Team

A photo of President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee with King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Maxima at Dam Square in front of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam on the 12th local time (Source: Presidential Office)

Regarding President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stepped in to clarify reports that the Dutch government summoned the South Korean ambassador in protest over "excessive security and protocol demands." The ministry explained that it was part of communication efforts. Although the ministry stated that the procedure was to discuss the schedule and protocol details, the fact that the ambassador was summoned is unusual, intensifying debates over the communication and professionalism of the diplomatic protocol team.

The term "summoning" refers to the act of a country's diplomatic authorities calling in the ambassador, minister, or consul of a foreign country stationed in their country to their diplomatic office for diplomatic matters concerning bilateral relations. While it is not as severe as recalling one's own ambassador, expelling the other country's ambassador, or designating a diplomatic persona non grata, it is a diplomatic response with a negative connotation.

Earlier, on the 1st, JoongAng Ilbo reported that the Dutch side summoned Choi Hyung-chan, the South Korean ambassador to the Netherlands, expressing displeasure and concern over various demands from the Korean side related to President Yoon's state visit. It was reported that the Korean side even requested the elevator area at the visit site for security reasons, listing specific examples to express dissatisfaction.

Immediately after the report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement to the press corps, saying, "Regardless of the country, there are differences or disagreements regarding detailed protocol matters for events, and it is customary to coordinate and narrow these through repeated consultations." Regarding the summoning of Ambassador Choi Hyung-chan, the ministry referred to it as a "consultation" and stated, "It was part of communication conducted to swiftly coordinate schedule and protocol-related matters as the state visit approached." The ministry added that in countries with a royal family, there are formalities and coordination needs related to royal traditions and protocol, so joint meetings have been held frequently since six months before the state visit, with detailed coordination ongoing.

In an unusual move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a message from Dominic Quillingbaker, the Dutch protocol chief who oversaw President Yoon's state visit schedule, sent to the Korean protocol office. Quillingbaker said, "I am reflecting on a wonderful state visit in many ways and celebrating the strengthened bilateral relations," and expressed great appreciation for the Korean protocol team's 'can-do' attitude, saying it was truly enjoyable to work together."

President Yoon's visit to the Netherlands marks the first state visit by a South Korean president in 62 years since diplomatic relations were established in 1961. President Yoon made the historic state visit from the 11th and returned home on the morning of the 15th.