A foreign reporter asked South Korean President Yoon Seok-youl a question in Korean.
[Chad O’Carroll/NK News Reporter]
“Thank you for taking the time today. Do you think not addressing the Pyongyang drone incident strengthens or weakens South Korea’s position on inter-Korean relations?”
President Yoon then smiled awkwardly and gestured toward a staff member.
“I can’t quite understand what he means.”
Subsequently, a presidential aide requested the reporter to ask the question again in English.
[Chad O’Carroll/NK News Reporter]
“Like a Korean test… I’m sorry.”
O’Carroll laughed and repeated the question in English.
However, the video spread online and sparked controversy.
Many comments expressed disappointment with President Yoon’s demeanor.
Some comments said it was “rude” and “heartbreaking” that the foreign reporter had prepared the question in Korean.
An NK News reporter drew attention on social media by stating, “The reporter in the video is our company’s CEO, Chad O’Carroll, and we worked hard on preparing the question in Korean.”