Posted June. 24, 2004 21:31,
Suspicions are aroused after the Associated Press (AP) reported that after obtaining Kim Sun-ils videotape, the AP called for confirmation of Kims abduction. Though revealing the truth wont bring Kim back to life, the truth must be closely examined to prevent further tragedies and protect Korean nationals abroad.
The fact that the government wasnt informed about the abduction for three weeks is problem enough. However, how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) reacted is more of a problem. The AP reported that although they asked MOFAT about Kims abduction, the response was: There is no Korean abducted. With Kim identifying himself and saying that he had stayed in Iraq for six months, if the government had hurried to verify, Kims abduction could have been discovered and acted upon a lot sooner.
How the video scandal is becoming complicated between MOFAT and the AP is hard to understand. Now that the AP has affirmed that they made their inquiry on June 3, its MOFATs turn to make clear who answered the phone and how he or she responded to it.
The discord between the United States and Korea followed by the governments inadequate reaction is also a problem. Lets just turn away from the fact that the government didnt find out about the abduction because of a falsehood told by Kim Chun-ho, the president of Gana Trade Company, which Kim Sun-il worked for. Why is Kim Chun-hos lie that the U.S. Army told him about the abduction becoming a misunderstanding that the U.S Army intentionally hid Kims abduction, worrying that it might have a bad influence on the dispatch of Korean forces to Iraq? The governments inadequate reaction is damaging the relationship between Korea and the U.S.
MOFAT should tell the truth. To prevent another mistake like this, they should admit their mistake, and make clear who is responsible. They should recognize peoples indignation over the poor protection of Korean nationals abroad, and the probability that the tragedy wouldnt have happened if only the government had reacted appropriately.