Overview
- President Lee Jae Myung directed the Health and Welfare Ministry to conduct an immediate inspection, calling prejudice a severe antisocial act.
- Kim Chul-soo told senior Red Cross officials he intends to step down and issued an apology, saying his comments cannot be justified.
- A recording revealed at a National Assembly committee and aired by JTBC allegedly captures derogatory remarks about ambassadors from seven countries and a directive to prioritize U.S. and European envoys.
- KRCS data submitted to Rep. Park indicate invitations were later narrowed to 23 countries, including the so‑called Big Five, after the remarks.
- The comments are believed to have followed a November 2023 gala in Seoul that hosted ambassadors and spouses, and the International Committee of the Red Cross says it is reviewing the situation internally.