Former defense minister leaves for Australia to take office as ambassador

Hong Ik-pyo, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and lawmakers speak at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on Tuesday afternoon to condemn the departure of Ambassador Lee Jong-seop of Australia, who is under investigation by the Marine Corps for allegedly extorting money from the government. The ambassador entered the departure hall through a different entrance, avoiding reporters and Democratic Party lawmakers. PhotoJoint Take Foundation

Former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, who is amid allegations of tampering with a military investigation into the death of a young Marine Corporal, left Korea on March 10 as the country's ambassador-designate to Australia. The move comes two days after the Ministry of Justice lifted a travel ban on him. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) responded by saying, "The place where Lee should go is the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).”

Lee boarded a flight to Brisbane, Australia, at Incheon International Airport that afternoon. A large number of reporters gathered at the departure lounge earlier in the day, but the former minister boarded the plane without appearing in front of reporters. It is believed that he arrived at the airport much earlier and stayed in the security area before proceeding to the boarding gate.

Initially, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would notify the reporters of Lee's departure after he left the country. However, the ministry changed its stance later in the day, saying, "Please understand that we cannot confirm the departure schedule in accordance with our practice," citing opposition within the ministry. It seems that the ministry decided it was politically expedient to keep the media away from Lee as much as possible.

However, there are strong criticisms that the government is trying to distract attention from the investigation into the death of Corporal Chae Su-geun who died last year during a search operation for people missing from heavy rains and flooding, by sending the former minister abroad. Lee was indicted last year by the CIO for allegedly exerting pressure on the military probe. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Lee's appointment as ambassador to Australia on March 4.

Since then, Lee’s investigation and departure have been carried out quickly. On the 6th, it was belatedly revealed that the IPO imposed a travel ban on Lee in January and has extended the period of the ban until recently. On the 7th, the IPO questioned Lee as a suspect. Despite the opposition from the IPO, the Ministry of Justice lifted Lee's travel ban on the 8th.

※This article has undergone review by a professional translator after being translated by an AI translation tool.