A South Korean diplomat stationed in a Latin American country is suspected of sexually harassing two teenage girls there, Seoul's foreign ministry said Friday.
The diplomat, who handles cultural affairs at an embassy, allegedly made improper physical contact with a girl presumed to be 14 years old in September when he taught Korean to her, according to an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The ministry declined to reveal the name of country or the details of his identity, saying that it suspended the diplomat's duties.
He is also suspected of sexually harassing another teenage girl early this month, which was captured by a local broadcaster's candid camera, it added. The first victim is known to have reported her case to the TV station.
Seoul's foreign ministry said it plans to summon him for a probe and, if the charge is confirmed, he will be punished.
"All factual grounds have not been clarified yet. But if his charge is confirmed, a criminal investigation will proceed under relevant Korean law," a ministry official said.
A diplomat has immunity in the country of sojourn, but the ministry said that it will cooperate with local police if they open an investigation. (Yonhap)