Korean community in Australia urges restraint in political row over ambassador

Lee Jong-sup, the Korean ambassador to Australia, speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport after returning home, Thursday. Joint Press Corps

The Australian Korean Association of Sydney and New South Wales has expressed concern over an ongoing political dispute regarding the appointment of Lee Jong-sup, Korea’s new ambassador to Australia. They highlighted that the controversy is damaging the social harmony within the Korean community.

The statement was issued on the occasion of Harmony Day, dedicated to promoting diversity and acceptance while emphasizing inclusiveness and respect for all Australians, celebrated in Australia annually on March 21.

“The appointment of Lee is a diplomatic matter between Korea and Australia that needs to be respected regardless of political beliefs,” the association said in a release, Thursday (local time). “Please refrain from causing unnecessary conflicts or disputes within the Korean community in Australia.”

Regarding the activities of certain Korean residents who have either expressed support or opposition to the ambassador’s appointment, the association clarified that these individuals do not represent the opinion of the entire Korean community in Australia.

“The majority of Korean residents in Australia -- nearly 100,000 of them – remain neutral on the political issue,” it said.

It also urged the media to stop publishing exaggerated or misleading news about Lee.

“Political parties should stop using our public opinion of Lee’s appointment to gauge public sentiment and win the April 10 general elections,” it said. “It saddens us to watch how the Korean community is becoming divided over the political issue in our home country.”

Lee's appointment as the ambassador to Australia earlier this month has sparked controversy, as he has been under investigation for allegedly leveraging his position as defense minister at the time to influence the military's internal probe regarding the death of a Marine named Chae Su-geun, who died during a search-and-rescue operation in July 2023.

Following mounting calls from both the ruling and opposition parties, he temporarily returned to Korea on Thursday and urged the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials to question him over allegations of using his status to influence the investigation.