Seoul: The head of the state defense media agency was dismissed Monday over power abuse allegations, the defense ministry said, following accusations he unfairly exerted influence on the agency's coverage.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision came after the ministry conducted a weeklong audit into the agency chief, Chae Il, in July after receiving public complaints over his alleged power abuse and verbal misconduct. Chae has faced criticism over political neutrality in the process of editing news involving President Lee Jae Myung and Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back.

Chae, a former broadcast journalist, has a history of political involvement, having served as an aide to former President Yoon Suk Yeol during his presidential election campaign. He was appointed to lead the defense media agency in May 2023.