Ambassador Lee Jong-sup returned to South Korea Thursday, amid controversy over his appointment and subsequent departure for Australia while under investigation for his alleged involvement in a military probe. The former defense minister, accused of interfering in an investigation into a Marine's death, was subject to a travel ban at the time of his appointment.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Critics including the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), have demanded President Yoon Suk Yeol retract Lee's appointment and require his return for investigation. Upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, Lee expressed his intention to cooperate with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), hoping for prompt questioning.
His return, initially expected for a late conference, has sparked speculation that a meeting on defense industry cooperation might have been arranged to facilitate his early return, especially in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections. The foreign ministry confirmed a gathering involving South Korean envoys, including Lee, to discuss defense cooperation. Critics, however, see his return as a strategic move ahead of the elections, demanding immediate action against him.