SEOUL — A civic organization has lodged a formal complaint against President Yoon Suk Yeol, alleging improper conduct related to the overseas appointment of the new Ambassador to Australia, Lee Jong-sup, during an ongoing investigation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, " the organization accuses President Yoon, along with the foreign and justice ministers, of facilitating the departure of Lee Jong-sup, who is under investigation. Lee, the former defense minister, was allowed to leave for Australia shortly after an exit ban was lifted, raising concerns over potential influence on the probe regarding his actions during the investigation into a Marine's death last year. The civic group contends that this move constituted an abuse of power and assisted a suspect in evading scrutiny.
This case has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the opposition Democratic Party, questioning the rationale behind appointing an individual under investigation as an ambassador. The presidential office has responded, stating unawareness of the ongoing investigation and the travel ban against Lee at the time of his ambassadorial nomination, highlighting the controversy surrounding the diplomatic appointment process.