Kim Cheolsu, Chairman of the Korean Red Cross, is delivering a commemorative speech at the "120th Anniversary Ceremony of the Korean Red Cross" held on October 27 at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
Kim Cheolsu, Chairman of the Korean Red Cross, who was reported to have made racist remarks toward members of the diplomatic corps in South Korea, tendered his resignation immediately after President Lee Jaemyung ordered an inspection.
According to the Korean Red Cross on November 7, Chairman Kim expressed his intention to step down, taking full responsibility for the incident.
Kim Namjun, spokesperson for the presidential office, stated that President Lee had sternly reprimanded Chairman Kim for his actions that morning and instructed the Ministry of Health and Welfare to conduct an inspection of Kim.
Previously, a media outlet reported that after an event in 2023 attended by ambassadors and their spouses from seven countries, including Angola, India, the Czech Republic, and Sri Lanka, Kim was recorded making racist remarks to staff, such as, "The foreign ambassadors were not impressive people," and "Only people with very dark faces were gathered."
Kim was elected Chairman of the Korean Red Cross at the Central Committee meeting in August 2023 and was inaugurated as the 31st Chairman after being approved by President Yoon Sukyeol, who serves as the organization's honorary president. He previously served as co-chairman of the fundraising committee for then-presidential candidate Yoon Sukyeol and as fundraising committee chairman for Kim Gi-hyeon, a candidate for the leadership of the People Power Party.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
