Ukrainian Embassy apologizes for diplomat assaulting bar worker, police officer

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By Jung Min-ho

The Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul apologized over a case of alleged assault involving one of its diplomats.

According to government sources on Friday, the embassy will send its first secretary back to Ukraine soon. The official was questioned by police on Tuesday for allegedly assaulting a bar employee and a police officer in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon in Seoul.

Police said they released the official soon afterward due to his diplomatic immunity.

“The embassy would like to express its sincere apology to the Korean public and anyone involved for any distress or inconvenience caused by the incident,” the embassy said in a statement issued on Thursday night.

“As a responsible member of the diplomatic community in Seoul, the Embassy of Ukraine and its staff respect and strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the Republic of Korea.”

The incident comes at a sensitive time for Ukraine, which has been making the utmost efforts to garner international support for its military forces in the war against Russian invaders.

Just two weeks ago, Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, where he vowed to support the country during and after the conflict.