ED Diplomat's sexual misconduct

A foreign service officer stationed in Chile has been accused of sexually harassing a teenager and is facing an investigation by the foreign ministry after being suspended.

Several copies of sexually inappropriate footage of the diplomat, who is in charge of cultural affairs at the Korean Embassy in Chile, have been uploaded to YouTube for the world to see. Many angry Koreans are leaving furious comments on the videos.

The footage shows the Korean official making sexually offensive remarks to a girl who is young enough to be his daughter, and repeatedly making unwanted sexual contact. The video first appeared on a local investigative journalism program by Chilean broadcaster Canal 13. It even shows the official almost getting down on his knees and begging the producers not to air the footage, after the sting is revealed.

It is hard to believe that someone who behaves in such a shameful manner has been representing Korea in Chile as a counselor, a senior embassy position. In particular, he has been in charge of the embassy’s Korean language program, which has been popular among young fans of Korean entertainment.

The truly incomprehensible aspect of the whole situation is why it has taken this long for the foreign ministry and the embassy to do anything about this man, who reportedly has a reputation in the local Korean community for violence and sexual misconduct. If Chilean TV did not broadcast the video, it is doubtful the official’s inappropriate behavior would have come to light.

Sexually abusing a minor is an unforgivable offense that deserves heavy punishment. According to news reports, he has been sued by the parents of a girl who is only 12. The foreign ministry should conduct a thorough investigation and take stern disciplinary action to convince the public that the ministry will not tolerate misbehaving officials.

Korean Ambassador to Chile Yu Ji-eun offered a written apology to the victim and the Chilean people, but this is not enough. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se should also make a public apology given the gravity of the official’s offense.

The ministry should also conduct training on proper sexual behavior for diplomats before sending them to overseas missions.