"Solicitations and Special Access Favors"... Presidential Office Dismisses Secretary Lee Youngho as Disciplinary Action

Lee Youngho, Secretary for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries at the Presidential Office, has been dismissed after it was revealed that he provided favors and special access in exchange for solicitations.

On September 26, the Office of Public Discipline at the Presidential Office announced that a Grade 1 special appointee under the Presidential Secretariat had been dismissed as a disciplinary measure.

The office explained, "We confirmed that a Grade 1 special appointee under the Presidential Secretariat engaged in solicitations that undermined fair performance of duties for the benefit of others and granted special access to the Presidential Office to a specific individual due to a personal relationship. As a result, the individual was dismissed as a disciplinary action."

The office further stated, "The Presidential Office has instructed all staff members not to engage in solicitations or provide special favors that could compromise fair performance of duties," adding, "Going forward, the Presidential Office will continue to strictly address any violations of laws and regulations by its staff, including solicitations and the granting of special favors."

The position of Secretary for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries was newly established by the Lee Jaemyung administration to handle key issues such as the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan. Lee served at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries for 15 years and was a member of the 17th National Assembly.

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