South Korea's foreign ministry expressed regret on Saturday over Israel's misunderstanding of President Lee Jae Myung's remarks on the Middle East situation. It clarified that Lee's comments reflected his convictions on universal human rights, not a specific issue. Israel's foreign ministry had strongly protested the remarks earlier.
SEOUL -- South Korea's foreign ministry voiced regret Saturday over what it called Israel's misunderstanding of President Lee Jae Myung's comments on the Middle East.
The exchange began Friday when Lee posted on X a video, dated September 2024, purportedly showing Israel Defense Forces members mistreating a Palestinian boy. He drew parallels to the forced sexual servitude of Korean women under Japanese colonial rule, the Holocaust, and wartime killings.
In a follow-up, Lee wrote, "Human rights are the last safeguard and a value that must never be traded away," urging adherence to human rights and international humanitarian law in all circumstances. Israel's foreign ministry called the post "unacceptable" and deserving "strong condemnation," noting the video came from an account known for anti-Israeli disinformation.
Lee responded that it was "disappointing" Israel had not reflected on global criticism over human rights concerns. The ministry reaffirmed Seoul's opposition to all violence, including terrorism highlighted by Israel, while expressing deep empathy for Jewish suffering from the Holocaust.
