<Anchor> The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advising the public to refrain from traveling abroad, but the Minister of Foreign Affairs' spouse left for the United States on the 3rd, saying that he should buy a yacht and travel.
Minister Kang Kyung-hwa left the police yesterday and said he felt sorry for the people.
This is reporter Kim Hye-young.
<Reporter>
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha's husband, Yonsei University Emeritus Professor Lee Il-byung, left for New York to purchase a yacht, and his remarks to KBS reporters during the departure process were particularly worn.
"The corona won't disappear within a day or two, but it can't be at home."
Since last March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a special travel advisory around the world asking people to refrain from traveling unless it is an essential purpose.
Even if we respect Professor Lee's personal taste and freedom in yachting and travel, there are many criticisms that it is inappropriate for a spouse of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to go on a trip as if he ignores this recommendation.
[Lee Nak-yeon/Deputy Democratic Party Representative: (There is public opinion that it is inappropriate for overseas travel….) I think it was inappropriate from the eyes of the
people.
[Kang Gyeong-hwa/Minister of Foreign Affairs: I explained, but in the end (husband) I decided and left.
Anyway, I am sorry.]
He also said that it would be difficult to persuade my husband to return home.
[Kang Kyung-hwa/Minister of Foreign Affairs: (Husband) I have been planning so long, procrastinating, and going to the United States.
It is also difficult to tell them to return to Korea.]
It seems that this controversy cannot be ruled out.