Foreign Ministry investigating envoy to China over abuse of power allegations

President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, presents credentials to Korean Ambassador to China Chung Jae-ho at the Yongsan presidential office in central Seoul on July 15, 2022. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Thursday that it is investigating allegations that Korean Ambassador to China Chung Jae-ho abused his power against a staffer in Beijing.

Earlier this month, an official at the Korean Embassy in Beijing reported Chung to the Foreign Ministry for alleged misconduct, including verbal abuse.

This official was dispatched to the embassy from another ministry.

Chung was accused of gapjil, a Korean term for abuse of power, after reportedly verbally harassing the official as a superior.

"We take strict measures following a fair investigation in the event of any misconduct, such as abuse of power, by an employee," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement Thursday. "We are confirming the facts after a tip-off regarding the embassy in China."

This came amid allegations raised by diplomatic sources that Chung had been verbally abusive not only to this embassy official but to other staffers as well.

During Yoon's presidential transition period in 2022, Chung served as a member of a policy consultation group that visited the United States in April and has been a key foreign policy adviser on China policy and diplomatic strategy for the new administration.

Later in the year, in June 2022, Chung was tapped as the first ambassador to China of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration and assumed the post that August.

Chung's appointment as Seoul's top diplomat to Beijing as a scholar was considered rare, as similar ambassadorial posts to China were usually reserved for senior career diplomats or politicians close to the president.

A native of Busan, Chung earned his bachelor's degree in Korean language education from SNU, a master's degree in history from Brown University and a doctorate in political science at the University of Michigan.

Yoon and Chung were classmates at Chungam High School in Seoul.

The Foreign Ministry has launched an internal investigation into the report and is expected to audit the embassy in Beijing.

The ministry defines abuse of power as when a superior engages in verbal abuse, assault, or unnecessary physical contact with a subordinate.

When such a report is filed, the ministry investigates the facts of the case. If proven, necessary disciplinary action is taken, or further investigation is requested

BY SARAH KIM [kim.sarah@joongang.co.kr]