South Korean ambassador to Australia, Lee Jong-Seop, moved back to South Korea following accusations of meddling in the investigation concerning the death of Sergeant Choi Su-geun in July 2023. Jurist reports Lee had left South Korea to assume his post as ambassador in March, at a time when he was listed as a criminal suspect in the ongoing probe into Choi’s death by the Senior Public Service Crime Investigation Office.
Lee landed at the Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, stating the reason for his sudden return was to attend a meeting of heads of missions from major countries regarding defense industry cooperation. Back home, his actions are shrouded in controversy due to his potential connection with Choi’s death.
In 2023, Choi was part of the Marine Corps division deployed to support Yequan City, damaged by heavy rains. On July 19, Choi went missing after being swept into rapids during a rescue operation. His body was found 14 hours later. By August 21, the Department of Defense Investigation Command released preliminary findings regarding the incident. Although only two lieutenant colonels were found guilty of violating the brigade commander’s orders, evidence suggested that the investigation faced external pressure. Lee was serving as the Minister of National Defense at the time.
In October, under the Special Prosecution Act Concerning Controversy over External Pressure in Accidence/Death Investigations, the National Assembly passed legislation aiming to unmask any distortion or concealment attempts in the probe into Choi’s death by the Presidential Office and the Department of Defense. In the same month, Lee was listed as a suspect in the interference case by the Senior Public Service Crime Investigation Office. Despite being banned from leaving the country, his departure was facilitated when President Yoon Seok-yeol appointed Lee as the ambassador to Australia.
Under Article 123 of the Criminal Law of South Korea, any public official found abusing their power or causing others to do the same faces a sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to ten million won, a suspension of their qualifications, or up to ten years’ imprisonment.