Woo Sangho Raises Suspicions of "Political Motives" Behind Lee's Position
Rumors of Daegu Mayoral Run Surface
Chairperson Lee Asserts on Social Media: "Serving Full Term Means No Local Election Bid"
President Lee Excludes Chairperson Lee fr
Woo Sangho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, criticized Lee Jinsuk, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, who has repeatedly expressed her intention to serve out her term, saying that if she intends to run for office, it would be appropriate for her to step down. The Office of the President is currently considering dismissing Chairperson Lee by authority, based on the results of the Board of Audit and Inspection's investigation.
On the previous day (the 30th), during a special interview jointly organized by nine regional private broadcasters, Woo stated, "It seems that Chairperson Lee's purpose in serving as the head of the Korea Communications Commission is political." He added, "When I observe her at Cabinet meetings, she often makes prepared remarks that create news, even when not prompted. Even if we do not brief the press, she goes out and discloses what she said on social networking services or in the press room."
Woo continued, "There are even rumors that she may run for mayor of Daegu. No matter how I look at it, I cannot shake the suspicion that Chairperson Lee is using her position for political purposes."
In response, on the 31st, Chairperson Lee wrote on Facebook, "My legally stipulated term runs until August 2026," and "The local elections are scheduled for June 3, 2026, so if I serve out my term, it would be impossible for me to run in the local elections." She stated that her intention is to fulfill her legally mandated term, and that interpreting this as a political move is misguided. However, she did not address the rumors regarding a possible run for mayor of Daegu.
Previously, President Lee Jaemyung removed Chairperson Lee from the list of Cabinet meeting attendees starting July 9, after she repeatedly disclosed confidential Cabinet discussions to the media and made remarks unrelated to the agenda. The Office of the President is considering dismissing her by authority on the grounds of "violation of the duty of political neutrality," based on the Board of Audit and Inspection's findings. On the 29th, Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the Office of the President, said in a briefing, "We are considering the option of dismissing Chairperson Lee by authority." The Board of Audit and Inspection issued a warning, stating that Chairperson Lee's political remarks on YouTube broadcasts after her impeachment motion last year constitute a case highly likely to undermine the duty of political neutrality.
Lee Jinsuk, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, is attending the full meeting of the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the 20th, responding to questions from lawmakers. 2025.8.20 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
On this day, Lee Guyoun, Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Relations and Communication, commented on Chairperson Lee's Facebook post during a briefing, saying, "We are not in a position to comment, nor is it the appropriate stage to do so." He added, "Since an investigation is underway, it appears that the idea of dismissal by authority is being considered. However, no decision has been made in any direction so far, and any determination will be made after observing the progress of the investigation."
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