President Moon Immediately Accepts Air Force Chief of Staff's Resignation (Comprehensive)

Air Force NCO Sexual Assault Death Case Strictly Handled... Cheong Wa Dae "President Moon Expresses Strong Will"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in immediately accepted the resignation of Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong on the 4th.

Park Soo-hyun, Senior Secretary for Public Communication at the Blue House, stated during a briefing at the Press Hall on the afternoon of the 4th, "President Moon immediately accepted the resignation of Air Force Chief of Staff Lee Seong-yong. The resignation acceptance procedure will be carried out as swiftly as possible."

Park added, "(President Moon) has previously instructed that the issue regarding the command line, including reporting to the highest superior and taking necessary measures, be handled strictly."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chief Lee had expressed his intention to resign due to command responsibility related to the concealment of sexual violence by an Air Force non-commissioned officer that resulted in death. He stated, "I deeply feel the heavy responsibility for the series of situations and hereby submit my resignation effective June 4, 2021."

A senior Blue House official explained the meaning of President Moon's 'immediate acceptance' by saying, "It means the intention to accept was expressed, and the procedures related to the acceptance of the resignation will proceed," adding, "(Chief Lee) will first undergo investigations by relevant agencies to determine whether there are any irregularities during his tenure."

The senior Blue House official emphasized, "There may be situations where the Chief of Staff himself needs to be investigated or prosecuted, so procedures are necessary. The intention is to carry out the procedures as quickly as possible," calling it "a strong expression of President Moon's will."

Regarding the possibility of the Minister of National Defense being dismissed, the senior Blue House official said, "No one in the command line is exempt. We will review the reports and measures and handle the matter strictly regardless of rank," but drew a line by adding, "It is not appropriate to mention dismissal at this time."