Seoul: Lee Kee-heung, the president of the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee (KSOC), is facing an uncertain future after being suspended by the South Korean sports ministry over alleged misconduct. This suspension comes at a critical time as Lee seeks a third term as the head of the national sports body. According to Yonhap News Agency, the sports ministry announced Lee's suspension late Monday, following the ethics inspection team under the Office for Government Policy Coordination's move to ask the police to investigate Lee and other sports officials for alleged illicit hiring practices and misappropriation of funds. Lee, who has been at the helm of the KSOC since his election in September 2016, had been gearing up for another term. However, a third-term bid requires approval from the KSOC's Commission for Fair Play in Sport, which is expected to deliver its decision soon after an initial review of Lee's candidacy. In response to the suspension, Lee filed for a court injunction at the Seoul Administrativ e Court, aiming to overturn the ministry's disciplinary action. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Lee has traveled to Switzerland for the World Union of Olympic Cities Sport Summit and is expected back in South Korea on Thursday. The ministry's suspension of Lee raises questions about its potential impact on his third-term bid. The KSOC's subcommission will evaluate his candidacy based on his contribution to the KSOC's finances, his integrity, and his efforts to uphold ethical standards. An official from the sports ministry emphasized that the suspension is separate from the KSOC election and was enforced in accordance with laws that allow disciplinary action against public institution heads. Lee's standing as KSOC president is also crucial for his International Olympic Committee (IOC) membership, which he obtained in 2019. To retain this membership, Lee must remain as KSOC president. However, his IOC term is set to expire next year due to the age limit of 70, which Lee reaches in January 2025. While a n extension of up to four years is possible, it is typically reserved for members who have made significant contributions to the Olympic Movement. The KSOC presidential election is scheduled for January 14, 2025, and the outcome of Lee's suspension and court injunction could significantly influence his candidacy and future in both national and international sports governance.