Seoul - The office of President Yoon Suk-yeol has issued a statement regarding the status of the South Korean ambassador to Australia, calling it "highly inappropriate" for him to be summoned back to the country amidst ongoing investigations. The controversy involves Ambassador Lee Jong-sup, formerly the defense minister, who faces allegations related to his handling of an investigation into the death of a South Korean Marine.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the calls for Ambassador Lee's immediate return, primarily advocated by the ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, overlook the procedural aspects of the ongoing investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). The statement elucidated that Ambassador Lee had already complied with a preliminary inquiry before his diplomatic assignment and affirmed his willingness to cooperate with any further investigative requirements.
The presidential office highlighted Lee's appointment as a strategic decision, reflecting his qualifications and the importance of South Korea's security alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the defense relations with Australia. The assertion was made to clarify that the ambassador's presence in Australia aligns with broader national security interests and that any requisition by the CIO would be promptly addressed without necessitating his preemptive return.
SEOUL – Monday's weather forecast for South Korea indicates predominantly cloudy conditions across several major cities, with only slight variations in temperature and the probability of rain. At 9:01 a.m., data revealed a uniform cloud cover with a 20 percent chance of rain in most locations, except for Jeju Island, which has a slightly higher likelihood of precipitation at 30 percent.According to Yonhap News Agency, Key cities like Seoul, Incheon, and Daejeon are experiencing similar weather patterns, with cloudy skies and mild temperatures. Notably, Gwangju stands out with sunny conditions amidst the general cloudiness. Residents and visitors across these cities can expect consistent weather, with minor differences in temperature highs and lows, suggesting a stable meteorological outlook for the day.