The recent remarks made by Jin-do County Mayor Kim Hee-soo about 'importing migrant women' have sparked significant controversy within South Korea. During a town hall meeting discussing the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, Mayor Kim suggested that legislative measures should be implemented to address the declining population by 'importing young women from Sri Lanka or Vietnam to marry local men.' This statement not only drew public ire but also generated diplomatic tensions, resulting in a formal complaint from the Vietnamese embassy to the Jeonnam province and the Democratic Party expelling the mayor from its ranks.

In response to the uproar, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety issued a memo to local governments on November 11, urging public officials to be cautious with their statements in official settings. The ministry emphasized that local civil servants are required to maintain their dignity according to local civil service laws, as comments made in public can directly affect administrative trust among residents. Furthermore, the ministry insisted that in cases involving diplomatic relations, heightened caution and responsibility are essential, especially for heads of local governments who represent their municipalities.

Mayor Kim was also criticized for using inappropriate language during a discussion with residents, where he referred to a vocal local citizen using vulgar terms. The Ministry expressed that these remarks could further jeopardize administrative trust and potentially escalate into more serious diplomatic issues. The government’s intervention highlights the importance placed on the conduct of public officials, particularly in sensitive discussions that may intersect with international relations, necessitating adherence to professional standards to prevent unrest and maintain community trust.