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The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) published an article on Mar. 12 (local time) focusing on corruption allegations tied to former South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, who has been appointed to be the South Korean ambassador to Australia. The article highlighted allegations that Lee interfered with a Marine Corps investigation into the death of a Korean marine. (ABC website)

The Australian national broadcaster ABC has focused significant coverage over the past few days on the controversy surrounding the appointment of former South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup as ambassador to Australia.

Lee is the key suspect in allegations of external pressure on the investigation of the death of a marine lance corporal Chae, who drowned during rescue efforts during a flood last year. 

In an article published Tuesday under the title, “Korean ambassador Lee Jong-sup flies into Australia despite corruption probe at home,” ABC reported in relative detail on allegations that Lee interfered in a South Korean Marine Corps investigation. The Australian broadcaster also highlighted the process of Lee’s appointment as ambassador to Australia and Lee’s recent departure from Incheon International Airport.

The article was written by ABC’s defense correspondent. In the “Digital News Report 2023” last year, ABC was named by the University of Oxford-affiliated Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism as the online news outlet most used and trusted by Australians.

Lee (left) and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at a ceremony commemorating the Battle of Inchon on Sept. 15 of last year. (Yonhap News)

In its report, ABC wrote, “The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is continuing to examine allegations Mr. Lee tampered with a South Korean Marine Corps' inquiry into the death of Lance Corporal Chae Su-geun, who died in July last year during a search mission [in the wake of widespread flooding].”

The article’s lede stated, “A former South Korean defense minister implicated in a corruption investigation over the death of a soldier has arrived in Australia to take up his controversial appointment as ambassador.”

After being appointed as South Korean ambassador to Australia on Mar. 4, Lee departed for Australia on Mar. 10 without any ceremony for President Yoon Suk-yeol to confer his credentials.

Lee was the subject of an abuse of authority complaint to the CIO for allegedly applying pressure as defense minister during a probe into Chae’s death by Marine Corps investigators last year. Lee reportedly pressured the relevant parties to have related documents and evidence withdrawn after they had been delivered to the police.

In response, the CIO imposed an exit ban on Lee last January. But the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) lifted the ban on Mar. 8 after accepting Lee’s appeal.

Lee departs for Brisbane, Australia, on Mar. 10, from Incheon International Airport. (MBC screenshot)

The ABC article observed that South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party had been critical of Lee’s appointment as ambassador and his departure to Australia.

Referring to a position statement issued after Lee’s departure from Incheon International Airport had been confirmed, it quoted Democratic Party floor leader Hong Ihk-pyo as saying, “President Yoon [assisted in] the flight of Lee, who was accused of committing a serious crime, by giving him the title of a diplomat.”

“The Ministry of Justice lifted the exit ban placed on Lee [on Mar. 8], allowing him [Lee] to leave South Korea, despite fierce public criticism,” Hong added. 

Democratic Party floor leader Hong Ihk-pyo addresses reporters at Incheon International Airport on Sunday regarding the departure of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, who is currently being investigated in connection to the suspicious death of a marine, to Australia. (Yonhap News)

ABC also alluded to South Korean media reports that “the presidential office and Foreign Ministry claimed to be unaware of the travel ban imposed on Mr. Lee in January, who was then able to successfully lobby the Justice Ministry to revoke it.”

The Australian broadcaster mentioned the controversy’s potential impact on South Korea-Australia relations. “While the saga has the potential to cause difficulties in the diplomatic relationship between Australia and South Korea,” ABC commented, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade “has welcomed Mr. Lee's arrival.”

“Australia values its important relationship with the Republic of Korea and looks forward to working with ambassador designate Lee in his new role,” a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade told the ABC.
By Joh Yun-yeong, staff reporter

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