"Concerns Over Potential Negative Impact on Australian Diplomacy"
Former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop, who was under investigation by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (PCC) for alleged external pressure in the Marine Corps Chae Sang-byeong case, was appointed as ambassador to Australia and departed for Australia. Meanwhile, former Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Eon-ju raised her voice, calling it a "crime of harboring a criminal."
On the 11th, former lawmaker Lee appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "A travel ban is a decision made by the state and the Ministry of Justice," emphasizing, "Who would be appointed as an ambassador or high-ranking official while under a travel ban? This is something that should never happen."
She continued, "Even though someone met a tragic death in the military, the truth has not been properly uncovered, and instead, Colonel Park Jung-hoon, who tried to investigate the truth, is being falsely accused and investigated for insubordination, which is absurd," adding, "Why send that person as ambassador to Australia?" She also pointed out, "The spirit of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea is collapsing," and warned, "If the problem escalates later, it will negatively affect our diplomacy with Australia."
Meanwhile, regarding Lim Jong-deuk, former Deputy Director of the National Security Office and another person implicated in the external pressure allegations in the Chae Sang-byeong case, who received an uncontested nomination in the Gyeongbuk Yeongju-Yeongyang-Bonghwa district, considered a stronghold of the People Power Party in this general election, former lawmaker Lee criticized, calling it "truly outrageous." She said, "Lim Jong-deuk of the National Security Office, who was involved in communication related to the Chae Sang-byeong case, has been uncontestedly nominated in Gyeongbuk, the most favorable area for the People Power Party," and questioned, "In a way, this is a case of national disgrace, so are they rewarding a potential suspect in a national disgrace case through nomination? A special investigation is needed."
Jung Won-cheol, chairman of the Marine Corps Reserve Corps, also expressed concern that the investigation into the external pressure allegations could be hindered by the former minister's departure. Jung appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and said, "Our Marine Corps Reserve Corps' legal advisor, lawyer Kim Gyu-hyun, expects the investigation to be very difficult," adding, "Nevertheless, there was talk within our corps about taking legal measures to bring the former minister back."
The former minister departed on the previous day at 7:51 p.m. on Korean Air flight KE407 bound for Brisbane, Australia.
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