Why Did Miss Iran Delete Her Post Claiming South Korean Aid Would Fund Terrorism?...Contact with Foreign Ministry

[Financial News] Hoda Niku, a former Miss Iran who now works in South Korea as a model and YouTuber, has suddenly deleted a post in which she opposed South Korea’s plan to provide 500,000 dollars in aid to Iran.
Hoda Niku had sparked controversy by posting on her personal social media that South Korea’s 500,000‐dollar humanitarian assistance to Iran would be diverted to terrorism or weapons purchases. She later had a phone call with an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, during which some of the misunderstandings were reportedly resolved.
On the morning of the 17th, Hoda Niku wrote on social media, "I was able to speak directly with an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea regarding the post I uploaded yesterday." She said she received a detailed explanation about South Korea’s humanitarian aid, and that she was told medicine, food and other supplies would be delivered through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and that the process would be continuously managed to ensure they reach those in need. She added, "There were parts I had misunderstood, and this gave me an opportunity to understand the situation a bit more accurately," expressing her gratitude to the ministry.
Previously, on the 15th, Hoda Niku had posted on social media, "If you send money to Iran at this time, it will go not to the people but to the dictatorial regime and be used for terrorism or weapons purchases." She also argued, "Not even 1 dollar of that money will go to ordinary citizens," and criticized the plan as "an act that openly supports terrorism" and "something that does not suit South Korea."
The following day she posted again, explaining, "I know that what I wrote may have come across as a bit strong. I was expressing the frustration of Iranians who contact me." She went on to insist, "Given the current situation, I believe the structure makes it difficult for external aid to be delivered directly to ordinary citizens."
However, she also said, "If medicine or humanitarian assistance is in fact delivered to the injured and to citizens, I would of course consider that a relief," adding, "At the moment, many Iranians are worried that this aid could be used elsewhere or flow to specific organizations."
Hoda Niku stated that she was "not opposing aid itself, but wanted to raise the question of whether the structure ensures that such aid is properly delivered to the people."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea said the previous afternoon that the humanitarian assistance to Iran is being provided through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), so there is no possibility that it could be diverted by the Iranian government. It explained that the ICRC operates on the ground, directly conducting assessments of local conditions, project planning and implementation.
The ministry added that every step is thoroughly monitored to ensure that support goes directly to victims. It also clarified that, in addition to South Korea, Switzerland, the European Union (EU), Germany and others are providing emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran through specialized international organizations.

rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter