SEOUL, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Despite a formal apology over its "inadequate" reaction to China's recent execution of a South Korean citizen, Seoul is facing growing criticism that could spark a new tensions with Beijing.
Foreign Minister Han Seung-soo apologized Wednesday for mishandling a diplomatic row regarding the execution of a South Korean drug trafficker in China.
"I extend deep apologies to our nation for anxiety caused by the failure to take adequate and appropriate measures of the foreign ministry, which is charge of protecting our citizens abroad," Han told a news conference.
He acknowledged that some South Korean diplomats were responsible for the consular blunder, and pledged stern punishment to them. He also outlined measures to beef up consular staffing.
But critics blamed the government's measures as "makeshift." The opposition party asked for President's Kim Dae-jung's apology and more substantial steps to protect South Koreans overseas. "The government can tighten discipline only by punishing those responsible regardless of their rank," the Grand National Party said in a statement.
Rep. Chang Song-min of the ruling party also called for the diplomatic chief to step down, or discontinue his workings as the U.N. General Assembly president, a post that he said hinders Han's role as the foreign minister.
The diplomatic row erupted late September when China executed a 41-year-old South Korean national for making, and trafficking in, illegal drugs. It was the first instance of a South Korean citizen being put to death overseas on criminal charges.
South Korea blasted China for violating diplomatic protocol by failing to notify Seoul of the execution in advance. The foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador to Seoul to file a formal complaint.
China angrily reacted, calling for Seoul to stop spreading "groundless accusations." The Chinese foreign ministry said it had informed the South Korean consulate of the execution plan shortly after the verdict was announced.
Seoul backed down from that protest, acknowledging its missions in China had been informed of the death sentence and plans to execute the man but had failed to monitor the case or inform the foreign ministry in Seoul. But South Korea insisted the Chinese information was "insufficient" or "too late."
Seoul officials said that China offered an official apology for its long-delayed notification of the execution during the weekend talks of the Association of South East Asian Nations and North Asian neighbors China, Japan and Korea.
But China reportedly said it did not make any apologies over the issue. "We have no reason to offer an apology to South Korea concerning the matter," the Chinese foreign ministry was quoted as saying. South Korea's foreign ministry spokesman, Shin Jung-seung, snubbed China's allegations, dubbing it "sheer nonsense."
