Controversy Over 'Nakhwasan' Remark Leads to Lee Jaehwan, Vice President of Korea Tourism Organization, Voluntary Resignation: "I Was Inadequate"

Resignation Processed on the Morning of the 1st After Expressing Intent to Leave
Controversy Over Remarks Such as 'Nakhasan' and 'Busan Village'

Lee Jaehwan, Vice President of the Korea Tourism Organization, resigned on the 1st.

Lee Jaehwan, Vice President of the Korea Tourism Organization, resigned on the 1st.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Tourism Organization stated on the same day, "Vice President Lee, who also served as the Head of the Tourism Industry Division, expressed his intention to resign on the 1st and has been processed for retirement." Kim Dongil, Director of the Tourism Industry Division, will act as the interim Vice President of the Tourism Organization.

Vice President Lee became embroiled in controversy after videos were released during a recent National Assembly audit in which he referred to himself as a "parachute candidate," mentioning his connections with Lee Jinbok, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon, and Minister Won Heeryong, and described Busan as a "backwater town."

There were also allegations that he ordered an audit of a specific employee for re-pursuing a business agreement with a particular company after the president's approval without his own consent, and that he instructed the production of a "presidential election-level" personal promotional video about himself.

On the 31st of last month, the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee decided to file charges against Vice President Lee for perjury and insulting the National Assembly. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also requested an official audit of Vice President Lee from the Tourism Organization, and as a result, he was suspended from his duties.

Vice President Lee previously served as a policy committee member for overseas Koreans under the Prime Minister’s Office, CEO of Wiz Korea, Chairman of the Korea Startup Promotion Association, and Special Economic Advisor to the Governor of Gyeonggi Province. He also served as a standing advisor to the Economic Subcommittee 2 of President-elect Yoon Seokyeol’s transition team. He was appointed Vice President of the Tourism Organization in December last year.

On the 1st, Vice President Lee sent a message to attending reporters stating, "I sincerely apologize for causing various concerns," and added, "Despite my strong will to work hard, I was greatly lacking. I ask for your continued interest and support for the work of the Tourism Organization."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.