The head of the South Korean Red Cross stepped down Saturday with an apology over comments he made suggesting North Korea was so poor its officials did not have a change of clothes.
Chang Choong-Shik, whose position as president of the South Korean National Red Cross (KNRC) makes him a pivotal figure in exchanges between the two sides, resigned after only five months in office.
Chang was harshly criticized by Stalinist North Korea for his remarks.
In an interview with the monthly Chosun magazine last month, Chang said North Korea had so few resources that its delegates to inter-Korean talks appeared to wear the same clothes at all times.
"If the interview caused anxiety among North Korean authorities despite my innocent intentions, I would like to express my sincere regret," Chang said in a press statement.
Chang's replacement has yet to be named by the central committee of the KNRC. Their choice is likely to be strongly influenced by the government.
After Chang made his comments, North Korea threatened to boycott a second round of reunions of families separated by the border between the two countries since the 1950-53 Korean War and demanded Chang resign.
But the reunions went ahead earlier this month when Chang was away on an overseas trip -- SEOUL (AFP)
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