Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faces criticism over alleged diplomatic resource misuse during his 2023 France trip. Lawmakers claim Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, asked diplomats to arrange care for their dog.
The couple reportedly contacted the South Korean Embassy in France before the visit. They requested a private area for their dog in the hotel suite. They also asked for a dedicated car and an embassy staff member to care for the animal.
Eventually, Yoon and Kim decided not to bring the dog. Still, the requests raised concerns about ethical behavior and responsible use of state resources.
Ruling Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jae-jung condemned the incident. He said government agencies should serve national interests, not personal needs. Lee described the situation as embarrassing for diplomats representing the country abroad.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun confirmed the couple made such requests. He said the presidential office contacted the embassy directly without consulting the ministry. Cho promised a full review to prevent similar actions in the future.
Cho emphasized that misuse of diplomatic resources damages trust and morale among foreign service staff. He said officials must respect the professional boundaries of embassy duties.
The controversy reignited debate about ethics in government travel. Analysts argue that the case shows the need for stricter oversight of presidential trips. They believe clear rules should separate personal preferences from official responsibilities.
Opposition lawmakers also criticized the former president. They said his actions reflected a sense of entitlement within political leadership. They urged tighter controls to stop similar cases.
The government plans to examine its internal communication channels and travel request procedures. Officials aim to strengthen accountability and protect the integrity of diplomatic missions.
The debate over diplomatic resource misuse continues to shape discussions on transparency and leadership ethics in South Korea.
