Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong has expressed deep concerns over the rise in hate crimes targeting Asians in the U.S. 

The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday quoted Chung as saying during a meeting of senior officials that the rise in hate crimes targeting Asian communities in the U.S. is a matter that concerns the safety of Korean-Americans.

He stressed that the government, with keen interest, will work closely with U.S. government agencies at all levels to prevent any damage toward Korean-Americans and to secure their safety.

The minister then again conveyed his condolences to the Korean-American and Asian American communities that have been rattled by these crimes.

He said Seoul will continue to actively support Washington in sternly addressing them.