Foreign Ministry Responds to Controversy Over 'Who Requested India Visit First' with "We Will Check the Data"

Regarding the content in former President Moon Jae-in's memoir that former First Lady Kim Jung-sook's 2018 visit to India was made following an invitation from the Indian side, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 21st that it will "verify (the materials) within the possible scope."

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking to reporters that day, said about the controversy over whether the Indian side's request came first or whether the Korean side's review came first, "This is a part that needs verification," adding, "We have not been able to check all the specific materials," and "It was four years ago, and the officials in charge at the time have changed, so it takes time."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a text message to reporters the day before, explaining that the visit of Mrs. Kim to India was first reviewed by the Korean side, and accordingly, the Indian government sent an invitation letter. Depending on the perspective, this was interpreted as somewhat conflicting with former President Moon's memoir.

The official explained the statement made the previous day by saying, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained its position based on the contents confirmed through remaining documents such as the invitation letter received by the Ministry at that time."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' explanation that day is interpreted to mean that to clarify the process of Mrs. Kim's visit to India, it is necessary to take time to review documents that have not yet been checked.

The official also explained regarding the possibility that during former President Moon's visit to India, conversations between the leaders may have included discussions about Mrs. Kim's visit, "We cannot confirm the details of what was said on what occasion."

When asked to evaluate the memoir's expression that Mrs. Kim's visit to India was the first 'solo diplomatic' visit by a First Lady, the official replied, "It is not appropriate to comment specifically."

However, when asked whether the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's budget expenditure for Mrs. Kim's visit to India was because there was no precedent for a First Lady's tour, he introduced by saying, "A certain politician mentioned that among the First Ladies of past presidents, Mrs. Lee Hee-ho attended as a keynote speaker at the UN General Assembly."