Ruling Saenuri Party leader Kim Moo-sung apologized Friday for a racist remark he made to an African student during volunteer work earlier in the day.

Kim had been delivering briquettes to the socially underprivileged in southern Seoul as part of the party’s community outreach program, when he told an accompanying student that his face “was the same color as the briquettes.”

The student reportedly did not understand the comment.



As public criticism mounted, Kim posted a public apology on his Facebook page around 2:40 p.m.

“I failed to realize that (my) intent to appear friendly could hurt someone, and it was an erroneous comment. I was not mindful of the other person’s (the student’s) position. I am truly sorry,” he said.

Around 40 students from 27 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Pakistan and Zimbabwe, participated in the briquette-delivery event. 


By Yoon Min-sik
(minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)