Seoul - Amid swirling speculation over his abrupt return from Canberra, South Korean Ambassador to Australia, Lee Jong-sup, has engaged in meetings with key ministers since arriving back in Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The discussions with the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and industry occurred shortly after Lee's unexpected return to the country, sparking widespread debate over the timing and reasons for his homecoming.
Lee's arrival back in Seoul, just 11 days after assuming his ambassadorial role in Australia, comes amid growing scrutiny over his appointment and subsequent departure. This scrutiny intensified following revelations that he was subject to an investigation for allegedly interfering in a military probe into the death of a Marine last year.
The Foreign Ministry had previously stated that Lee's return was to attend a defense cooperation meeting with ambassadors from six countries, including Australia. However, the announcement led to speculation that the meeting was hastily arranged to provide Lee with a pretext for returning home amidst deteriorating public sentiment ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 10.
Adding to the controversy, Lee arrived in Seoul four days before the planned meeting of ambassadors, raising questions about his activities in the interim and whether this period could be officially recognized as serving public duty under regulations for public servants on overseas assignments.
On Friday, the Foreign Ministry clarified that Lee's schedule since his return was related to the upcoming ambassadors' meeting. The ministry confirmed that Lee had separate meetings with the minister of defense on March 21 and with the ministers of industry and foreign affairs on March 22. Lee is expected to continue meeting with government officials and top envoys from the six countries involved in defense cooperation in Seoul throughout the next week.
A ministry official indicated that the meetings Lee has conducted and will conduct are preparatory discussions for Monday's defense cooperation meeting, implying that Lee's stay in Seoul will be acknowledged as part of his official duties.
Seoul - Ryu Hyun-jin's return to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) after an illustrious 11-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB) has been the focal point of the league's preseason discussions, particularly at the annual KBO media day held on Friday.According to Yonhap News Agency, players and fans alike are abuzz with anticipation for the former MLB ERA champion's homecoming to his original KBO team, the Hanwha Eagles.
Ryu, who first played for the Eagles from 2006 to 2012 before his successful stint in MLB, signed an eight-year contract worth 17 billion won (approximately $12.7 million) with the Eagles in February. He is slated to make his much-anticipated return to the KBO in the Opening Day start against the LG Twins, last year's Korean Series champions and a favorite for this year's title as well.
The impact of Ryu's return was immediately felt across the league, with Twins manager Youm Kyoung-youb adjusting his team's victory expectations for the season in light of Ryu's signing. Twins starter Im Chan-kyu acknowledged the significance of Ryu's presence in the league, stating, "Hyun-jin is the best Korean pitcher today," and noting the competitive drive to outperform even in the face of such high-caliber talent.
Experts are predicting that Ryu will be a dominant force in the league, likely leading in major pitching categories including quality starts. KT Wiz starter Ko Young-pyo, who has led the league in quality starts over the past three years, expressed his excitement and honor at the prospect of competing against Ryu, setting personal goals to outperform him.
The enthusiasm for Ryu's return is not limited to pitchers. Eagles outfielder Chae Eun-seong, who had aspired to face Ryu, shared his admiration for Ryu's skills observed during a spring training scrimmage, despite Ryu's imposing stature. Similarly, Eagles third baseman Roh Si-hwan conveyed pride in being Ryu's teammate, even bragging to Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow about sharing a team with the renowned pitcher.
Ryu's signing, alongside other veteran acquisitions, positions the Eagles as potential playoff contenders, a significant change for a team that has seen limited postseason action since Ryu's departure to MLB in 2013. With heightened expectations for the season, players like Roh express confidence in the team's blend of experience and young talent, setting the stage for a competitive and thrilling season in the KBO.