Approval Given That Afternoon After Ministry of Foreign Affairs Report
On the 29th, President Yoon Suk-yeol approved the dismissal of Ambassador Lee Jong-seop to Australia, who had been under investigation by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit over allegations of external pressure in the investigation of the death of Marine Corps Corporal Chae.
The Presidential Office spokesperson announced, "This afternoon, the dismissal of Ambassador Lee Jong-seop to Australia, proposed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, was approved." This comes 25 days after the ambassadorial appointment was announced on the 4th.
Lee's legal representative, Attorney Kim Jae-hoon, stated in a press release that morning that Ambassador Lee had expressed his intention to Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol, wishing to be relieved of his post as Ambassador to Australia.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to accept Lee's resignation that morning, and after receiving the report from the ministry, President Yoon approved it that afternoon.
The Presidential Office had maintained that there were no legal issues with Lee's appointment. However, with strong public criticism ahead of the general election and Lee's request to have his resignation accepted, it is interpreted that President Yoon approved Ambassador Lee's resignation.
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