MOFAT Director, Business Trip Disapproved for Infelicitous Words

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) announced yesterday that Cho Hyeon-dong, director of the North America Division III who had been investigated by Cheong Wa Dae for his infelicitous words, will not attend the sixth ROK-US alliance meeting held during January 15-16 in Hawaii.

A MOFAT authority said, “We judged it difficult for Director Cho to leave for overseas business since Cheong Wa Dae’s investigation is in progress.”

This meeting was scheduled for Cha Young-gu, head of the policy department of the Ministry of National Defense, Wi Sung-lac, general director of the North American Affairs Bureau at MOFAT and Director Cho to attend.

Meanwhile, relating to this matter, Foreign Minister Yoon Young-kwan apologized to the country, “I take heavy responsibility over the concerns that the people had regarding the infelicitous remarks of some of the officials, and I would like to express my regrets.”

Minister Yoon said at a press conference, “It is the duty of MOFAT to conduct as the hand and foot of the president’s policies and stance, and to serve the country.”

Relating to the stir caused, he added, “After receiving the investigation results from related organizations, we will consider our regulations and circumstances and follow the president’s intention and take necessary measures.”

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com