An embassy exists not merely as a symbol of national presence abroad, but as a critical institution tasked with protecting and supporting its citizens overseas. The core mission of diplomatic staff—especially consular officials—is to ensure the safety, rights, and welfare of their nationals in foreign countries. Unfortunately, there have been repeated and troubling cases where embassy personnel have failed to uphold these duties, leaving Korean citizens without the assistance they urgently need.

Numerous reports suggest that some embassy employees exhibit a concerning lack of responsiveness and a rigid adherence to office hours, even in situations that demand immediate attention or involve emergencies. In some cases, officials have refused to provide help, citing that certain tasks fall "outside their job deion" or that it was "after working hours." Such attitudes reflect not only a misunderstanding of their role but also a disregard for the public trust placed in them.

Civil servants, by definition, are public servants—appointed to serve the people, not to assert authority or create bureaucratic barriers. They are not feudal lords from the Middle Ages, entitled to power without accountability. Rather, they are expected to embody the principles of service, duty, and humility in their everyday conduct. When embassy staff prioritize personal convenience or bureaucratic rigidity over the safety and rights of Korean nationals abroad, they fundamentally betray the very purpose of their position.

This failure in duty is not just a matter of poor customer service—it can have serious, even life-threatening consequences. Whether it involves legal issues, medical emergencies, loss of travel documents, or other crises, Koreans abroad have the right to expect timely, respectful, and effective assistance from their government representatives.

Immediate steps must be taken to address this issue. Embassy staff should undergo regular training to reinforce the responsibilities of public service, including emergency protocols and ethical standards. Oversight mechanisms should be strengthened to ensure accountability, and feedback from Korean nationals abroad should be actively sought and taken seriously.

The integrity and reputation of our diplomatic missions depend not only on foreign policy success but also on how well they serve the very people they represent. It is time to reaffirm that embassies exist first and foremost to protect and support Korean citizens—no matter the time, place, or circumstance.