By Seo Soo-min
Staff Reporter

Foreign Affairs-Trade Minister Yoon Young-kwan apologized for his staff on Wednesday. Several officials in his ministry have been accused of making disparaging comments about President Roh Moo-hyun, a situation which has led to an investigation by the presidential office.

``As the person in charge of the foreign ministry, I apologize for the situation that led to the investigation into ministry officials,’’ Yoon said in a weekly briefing held at the ministry.

The minister said he would take some time before deciding on disciplinary action, waiting to receive the findings of the probe by Chong Wa Dae.

``Based on lessons learned from this incident, I will strive to tighten discipline among ministry officials and also work to ensure closer cooperation and better communication with related government offices,’’ he said in the briefing.

In his New Year’s speech, President Roh Moo-hyun’s remarks on the conduct of foreign ministry officials were stronger than expected.

He accused them of intentionally leaking secrets, in addition to openly making comments opposing government policy.

``Personnel changes will be made so there will be no obstacles in implementing government policy,’’ Roh said in his address.

Ministry insiders said Cho Hyun-dong, a director at the North American Affairs Bureau who was found to have made some of the remarks attacking Roh, will likely be stripped of his current post in charge of, among other affairs, the Yongsan Garrison relocation negotiations.

Cho did not accompany his immediate superior, director-general Wi Sung-lac, on a recent visit to Washington.

ssm@koreatimes.co.kr