Unfit to be envoy Yoon should replace ambassador to Australia President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent diplomatic reshuffle highlights a significant flaw in the selection and review process of candidates for key posts. On March 4, Yoon appointed former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup as South Korea's new ambassador to Australia, despite Lee being under investigation for alleged abuse of power. This critical flaw was either disregarded or not adequately scrutinized during the screening of candidates in the recent diplomatic reshuffle. In January, investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) searched Lee's home to secure evidence of his alleged involvement in obstructing the release of internal documents concerning a Marine who died during a search and rescue operation for flood victims last year in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province. The military initially forwarded the internal investigation findings regarding the incident to the police. But subsequently, the defense mini stry retrieved these findings from the police. The CIO is investigating if Lee, who was the defense minister at the time, abused his power to influence the investigation. The CIO issued a travel ban on Lee at the time. It remains uncertain whether Yoon was aware of the CIO's investigation into Lee or not. However, even if the president was unaware of it at the time of Lee's appointment, the choice remains contentious because such a crucial factor was not adequately verified during the screening process. Lee reportedly planned to leave for Australia on Friday to embark on his new diplomatic mission, but his travel plans were postponed. His travel restriction was lifted on Friday. The new envoy has yet to receive a letter of credence from Yoon. Newly arrived envoys are required to present their letters of credence from their governments to the head of state of host countries. Before their letters are received by the host government, envoys cannot officially begin their work as diplomats. Lee's intention to travel to Australia without the letter of credence from the president raises questions about his comprehension of standard diplomatic protocols. On Thursday, three days after being appointed as South Korea's new envoy to Australia, Lee was questioned by the CIO. The investigators said the probe is still ongoing, suggesting that Lee may be required to appear again to address further inquiries in the investigation. Despite assuming the role as an envoy to Australia, he should return to Seoul whenever summoned by the investigators for the probe. This implies that his responsibilities as an ambassador will unavoidably be impacted. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, his position as a diplomat could also be suspended. The legal risk he faces is not merely a personal matter. It will profoundly impact South Korea's national interests. Australia holds significant importance for South Korea, being among its top five trade partners. Moreover, it plays a crucial role as one of the primary defense markets for South Korea. This importance was underscored in December when South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace inked a contract with Australia for the supply of 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles by 2028, in a deal valued at $2.4 billion. Australia is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region with which South Korea holds the "two plus two" talks involving their defense and foreign ministers. The U.S. is the other country with which South Korea is holding the two plus two talks. Geopolitical risks surrounding East Asia also make Australia one of the countries of major importance to South Korea. Australia is one of the key U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region. It is the country South Korea should work with closely to bring its Indo-Pacific strategy to bear fruit. Considering the ever-growing importance of Australia as a trading and security partner, Yoon needs to consider replacing South Korea's envoy to Australia with another candidate who is capable and devoid of legal complications. For those called upon to co nduct key missions overseas, controversy is a liability, not an asset. Source: Yonhap News Agency