A physical altercation occurred at the G20 summit in Brazil, involving an interpreter for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and security personnel from the host country.
The incident took place as Yoon was entering the summit. While the altercation was unrelated to Yoon’s actions, it involved a South Korean interpreter attempting to follow the president into the venue. Brazilian security intervened, leading to a brief confrontation. International media captured the incident and quickly broadcast it worldwide.
The South Korean presidential office issued a statement clarifying the situation. It explained that the altercation stemmed from a misunderstanding on the part of the Brazilian security team. “We have received an apology from the Brazilian side,” the statement read.
On Tuesday, Yoon exited his official vehicle and went down the red carpet at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro, the venue for the G20 summit. As Yoon headed toward the area where the world leaders were gathering, the interpreter followed closely behind, trying to maintain pace with him.
At that moment, Brazilian security personnel intervened. A physical altercation ensued as the interpreter attempted to navigate around them to keep up with the president. Yoon, walking ahead, paused and turned to observe the situation. The interpreter, showing his access badge, requested permission to enter the summit venue but was initially denied. Even after Yoon continued walking, the scuffle persisted briefly.
The presidential office explained that the confusion arose from a communication breakdown within the Brazilian security team. “We had proactively requested cooperation from the Brazilian side for the interpreter to enter the summit venue alongside Yoon,” the statement clarified. “However, this situation was caused by internal communication issues within Brazil.”
A spokesperson from the presidential office added, “We had requested cooperation in advance through the Brazilian liaison to ensure our interpreter could accompany Yoon into the summit.” The spokesperson continued, “However, the confusion occurred because Brazilian security personnel on the ground had not received this communication.”
The spokesperson further explained that once the liaison clarified the situation with security, the interpreter was allowed to enter the summit venue with Yoon. “The liaison apologized for the temporary blockage caused by the misunderstanding on the part of the Brazilian security personnel,” the spokesperson said.
This incident, which drew widespread attention, did not occur when leaders from other countries entered the venue, adding to the unusual nature of the altercation.
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