Seoul: The incumbent South Korean Olympic chief Lee Kee-heung has been granted the opportunity to run for a third term, despite a recent suspension issued by the government. The decision, which came on Tuesday, allows Lee to pursue another term as head of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC) in January.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Commission for Fair Play in Sport at the KSOC approved Lee’s application, despite the suspension clouding his candidacy. Lee, who is 69 years old, was first elected to his position in September 2016 and successfully secured reelection in 2021. While the KSOC statutes allow a president to run for a second term without restrictions, a third-term bid requires approval from the Commission for Fair Play in Sport.
The subcommission began its deliberation just hours after the sports ministry announced Lee’s suspension. This decision followed an announcement by the ethics inspection team under the Office for Government Policy Coordination, which stated that it would requ
est police to investigate Lee and other sports officials for alleged misconduct.
Despite the suspension, Lee has filed for a court injunction to overturn the ministry’s decision. This legal move allows him to continue his campaign for the presidency. Currently, Lee is in Switzerland attending the World Union of Olympic Cities Sport Summit and is expected to return on Thursday.
The subcommission’s evaluation criteria for Lee’s candidacy included his contributions to the KSOC’s finances, his integrity in managing the organization, and his efforts to uphold high ethical standards. Following the ministry’s suspension, a ministry official clarified that the decision was unrelated to the KSOC election, stating that it was a standard disciplinary action against heads of public institutions accused of improper conduct.