South Korea’s ambassador to Australia steps down amid investigation controversy

South Korea’s ambassador to Australia resigned on Friday as questions about his appointment while he is under a corruption probe battered President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ruling party less than two weeks from a closely fought parliamentary election.
Lee Jong-sup, who was appointed ambassador to Australia just four weeks ago, is being investigated over allegations he tried to improperly influence a probe into the death of a marine last year while he was defence minister.
“His resignation was reported to the president and it has been decided it will be accepted,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Lee has previously denied any wrongdoing and said he was willing to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Criticism of Lee’s appointment grew sharply when he flew to Canberra on March 10, which opposition party members decried as an attempt to evade questioning in the case.