South Korean Envoy to Australia Steps Down Amidst Appointment Probe

South Korea's Ambassador to Australia, Lee Jong-sup, has tendered his resignation less than a month after his appointment, amidst an ongoing controversy back home. Lee is under investigation over allegations that he attempted to meddle in a military inquiry into the death of a South Korean Marine during his tenure as defense minister. Critics have questioned the timing of his appointment and subsequent departure, suggesting that it may have been an attempt to evade the investigation, which has become a politically sensitive issue ahead of South Korea's parliamentary elections on April 10.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry has confirmed the acceptance of Lee's resignation, which has been communicated to President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has the power to appoint ambassadors. The resignation has been characterized as an embarrassment to the ruling party and President Yoon, with opposition MPs accusing the government of appointing Lee to protect him from legal scrutiny. Despite the controversy, the Australian Embassy in Seoul has expressed its intention to maintain positive relations and continue working collaboratively with Lee's successor.