South Korean Red Cross chief quits over racist ‘dark-skinned’ diplomat comments

Kim Chul-soo’s racist remarks, exposed in leaked audio, undermine the Red Cross’ core principle of non-discrimination, critics say

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The Korean Red Cross’ headquarters in Seoul. Photo: Getty Images

Published: 9:30am, 9 Nov 2025

The head of South Korea’s Red Cross has resigned after being caught on tape making remarks about “dark-skinned” foreign diplomats – a scandal that has sparked public outrage, drawn a rebuke from the president and renewed scrutiny of racial prejudice in an increasingly diverse society.

In the leaked audio, Kim Chul-soo was heard complaining that a recent Red Cross gala had been attended “only [by] the non-significant foreign ambassadors … just the dark-skinned people”, and instructed staff not to invite “dark-faced people” to future events.

Critics say the remarks reflect not just one man’s bias but a broader discomfort with multiculturalism in South Korean society. The country is socially and institutionally steeped in racial hierarchies yet relies heavily on migrant labour.

Kim Chul-soo has resigned as head of South Korea’s Red Cross over the scandal. Photo: Handout

Observers said Kim’s remarks struck at the core of the Korean Red Cross’ mission. Non-discrimination and upholding human dignity regardless of race, nationality or religion are cornerstones of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Kim has since apologised, writing in the organisation’s internal bulletin on Friday: “There is no justification for my remarks under any circumstances. I bow my head in apology.”

Shortly afterwards, he tendered his resignation following what lawmaker Park Joo-min of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, who chairs the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee, described as a “stern reprimand” from President Lee Jae-myung.

This Week in Asia has reached out to the Korean Red Cross for comment.

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South Korean Red Cross chief quits over racist ‘dark-skinned’ diplomat comments

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Kim Chul-soo’s racist remarks, exposed in leaked audio, undermine the Red Cross’ core principle of non-discrimination, critics say

Kim Chul-soo’s racist remarks, exposed in leaked audio, undermine the Red Cross’ core principle of non-discrimination, critics say