Seoul: The chief of the presidential National Education Commission, Lee Bae-yong, has offered her resignation amid an ongoing probe by a special counsel into alleged bribery involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee. Lee announced her intention to step down on Monday, expressing regret over the unfolding situation.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee stated in her resignation announcement that she plans to cooperate fully with the investigation to clarify the truth behind the media reports. The investigation, led by special counsel Min Joong-ki, is examining various corruption allegations associated with the former first lady.

The investigation took a significant turn last week when Min’s team conducted a raid on Lee’s residence. This action followed the discovery of a gold turtle and a letter during a separate raid on the home of Kim Keon Hee’s mother. These items are believed to be linked to Lee’s appointment as the inaugural chief of the National Education Commission in September 2022.

The special counsel’s team suspects that the gold turtle may have been a gift to Kim Keon Hee in exchange for Lee’s appointment. Lee Bae-yong’s term was set to conclude at the end of this month, but her sudden resignation may impact the ongoing investigation and the commission’s operations.