Lee Jong-seop, Australian Ambassador, Returns 11 Days After Departure
Official Reason Cited as Embassy Chiefs Meeting, but Public Opinion Seems Considered
Ongoing Political Clashes Expected Over His Position Upon Return
Sergeant Chae Mo of the Marine Corps, who died in the line of duty, and Lee Jong-seop, the Ambassador to Australia, who is under investigation for allegations of external pressure related to the incident, are boarding a vehicle upon returning to South Korea through Incheon International Airport on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, on the 21st. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Ambassador Lee Jong-seop, who was appointed as ambassador to Australia amid allegations of external pressure in the case of the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae, returned temporarily to Korea on the morning of the 21st. It has been 11 days since he departed for Australia. Ambassador Lee once again denied the charges against him and said, "I hope to have the opportunity to be investigated by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Office (PCC) during my stay." However, as opposition parties continue their attacks and differing voices emerge within the ruling party, the 'Lee Jong-seop controversy' is expected to continue for the time being.
Lee Jong-seop: "Fulfilling Ambassadorial Duties"...Dismisses Resignation Controversy
On the morning of the 21st, Ambassador Lee returned through Incheon International Airport in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, at around 9:35 a.m. and told reporters, "I have already clearly stated several times that the various allegations raised against me are not true." Regarding calls for his resignation from the ambassadorial post, he said, "Next week, I will be heavily involved in preparing for the planned 2+2 talks between Korea and Australia," adding, "Ultimately, these two tasks are important duties that must be carried out as the ambassador to Australia. I will faithfully fulfill my duties," effectively dismissing the resignation demands.
The official reason for Ambassador Lee's temporary return was to attend the major defense industry cooperation heads of mission meeting, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, scheduled to be held from the 25th. However, the dominant analysis is that this was a result of being unable to withstand the intensified public criticism. In fact, it is known that this defense cooperation heads of mission meeting was hastily confirmed following the controversy.
Ambassador Lee Jong-seop to Australia, who is under investigation for allegations of external pressure related to the death of Marine Corporal Chae, is answering reporters' questions after returning to Korea through Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, on the morning of the 21st. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Lee Jong-seop Returns...But Calls for Resignation Emerge Even Within the Ruling Party
Although Ambassador Lee has returned, the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties surrounding him is expected to continue for the time being. The Democratic Party of Korea plans to highlight the allegations of external pressure in the investigation of the Marine Corps member's death and the issue of Ambassador Lee's position as key themes under the slogan of 'judgment on the administration' for the upcoming general election.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, pressured at the joint central election committee meeting of the Democratic Party and the Democratic United Party held at the Yeouido party headquarters the day before, saying, "The presidential office is spreading false information to help 'Run Jong-seop' flee overseas. President Yoon Seok-yeol should immediately dismiss and extradite the 'fugitive ambassador'." Floor leader Hong Ik-pyo pointed out, "The most important link regarding whether the presidential office exerted undue pressure on the investigation is former Minister Lee," adding, "They are deliberately obstructing and delaying the investigation connected to the presidential office."
On the other hand, opinions within the ruling party are somewhat divided. Han Dong-hoon, emergency committee member of the People Power Party, welcomed Ambassador Lee's return during a street greeting in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, the day before, saying, "Issues like Hwang Sang-moo, the senior secretary for civil society, and Ambassador Lee have all been resolved today," and added, "Showing a more humble attitude is the only way to fulfill our responsibilities."
However, some within the ruling party argue that Ambassador Lee's mere return is insufficient to win public sentiment. Kim Tae-ho, a People Power Party lawmaker running in Yangsan-eul, Gyeongnam, emphasized on his social media that "He should resign immediately upon return and undergo a thorough investigation as a civilian." Kim Hak-yong, also a People Power Party lawmaker, pointed out on the radio program 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' the day before, "A magnanimous decision from Ambassador Lee is necessary," adding, "This must be resolved within this week."
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