Opposition "Investigation Evasion" VS Presidential Office "Prosecutor's Office Problem"
Possibility of Becoming a Catalyst for 'Regime Judgment Theory' Ahead of General Election
Some Ruling Party Members Express Concern "Quick Measures Needed"
The confrontation and debate between the Presidential Office and the opposition continue over Ambassador Lee Jong-seop to Australia, who is suspected of external pressure in the investigation of the Marine Corps personnel death case. Amid the opposition's intensified offensive accusing the administration of 'hiding the suspect,' the Presidential Office maintains its stance against withdrawing the appointment despite some ruling party members' demands for cancellation. It appears that President Yoon Seok-yeol's approval ratings, which had been rising due to efforts such as medical reform, have encountered difficulties. Why did the President appoint former Minister of National Defense Lee Jong-seop as ambassador to Australia at this particular time?
Why was former Minister Lee appointed as ambassador to Australia?
▲The Presidential Office states that he is the right person for the ambassador position. During his tenure as Minister of National Defense, he expanded relations with Australia, secured a contract for the K9 self-propelled howitzer, and led the groundbreaking ceremony for the local production plant of the K9. Jang Ho-jin, Director of the National Security Office, appeared on an SBS news program the previous day and explained, "He submitted a copy of his letter of credence to the Australian Foreign Ministry just two days after his appointment, which is unusually fast. This shows that Australia also holds a favorable view." On the other hand, the reaction in Australia is different. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), a state broadcaster, reported with interest on the Korean ambassador's arrival and expressed concern, stating, "The former Minister of National Defense, involved in a criminal investigation, has arrived in Australia to carry out ambassadorial duties." The opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Korea, argue that former Minister Lee's appointment as ambassador to Australia is clearly intended to evade investigation.
Is there no problem with him being under investigation by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (PCC) at this time?
▲According to the Presidential Office, the ambassador has conveyed the position that "If the PCC calls, I will come back tomorrow without hesitation and undergo investigation." This implies he can voluntarily return even without a summons from the PCC. This statement is interpreted as an attempt to quell controversy amid concerns within the ruling party about negative public sentiment affecting the general election.
The Presidential Office views the core issue as the PCC's failure to conduct an investigation so far. Director Jang said, "The PCC's extension of the travel ban without conducting an investigation is a violation of basic rights and an abuse of investigative authority." The PCC received a complaint against the ambassador in September last year but did not summon him even once, only imposing a travel ban three months later in December. Director Jang rebutted, "The opposition's claim that the investigation or inquiry is being hindered is incomprehensible since no investigation started before the ambassador's appointment. If the opposition is sincere about the investigation, they should first criticize the PCC for not investigating at all for six to seven months." The controversy is expected to intensify further.
How far will the repercussions go?
▲The opposition is unlikely to relent in its offensive. Since the 7th, the Democratic Party has issued daily critical statements without fail. Park Sung-jun, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "Stop the trick of covering the public's eyes and ears to distort the case and buy time." In response, the Presidential Office firmly drew a line, stating that there is "no possibility and it is not right" to withdraw the appointment. However, as the fallout grows, there is also talk of the ambassador returning to Korea to complete the investigation before going back.
What impact will this have on the general election?
▲It could emerge as a key issue in the general election. There are concerns it could fuel calls for regime judgment. President Yoon Seok-yeol's approval ratings, which had been rising due to issues like expanding medical school quotas and holding public forums on livelihood, seem to have declined amid the ambassador controversy. According to a public opinion poll released by Korea Gallup on the 15th (conducted from the 12th to 14th, nationwide, targeting 1,002 adults aged 18 and over, using 100% wireless telephone interviews; detailed information is available on the Central Election Poll Deliberation Commission website), President Yoon's approval rating dropped 3 percentage points from the previous week to 36%. Park Min-sik, former Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs and a People Power Party candidate for the Gangseo-gu Eul district in Seoul, said the day before, "I wish this had been handled more neatly before his appointment." Lee Sang-min, a People Power Party member running in the Yuseong-gu Eul district in Daejeon, said, "Measures to correct this quickly are necessary."
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