By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Kim Jin-sun, co-chairman of the 2018 PyeongChang bid committee, said Tuesday that he would apply for the reinstatement of former Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-hee as an IOC member.
"Sports diplomacy really matters in PyeongChang's bid for the 2018 Winter Olympics," the 63-year-old Gangwon governor said at his office.
"South Korea had three IOC members, but currently Moon Dae-sung is the only active member, as Lee has not done any official activities due to a domestic legal conviction."
Former IOC members Kim Un-yong and Park Yong-sung resigned in 2004 and 2007, respectively, and Moon became an IOC member last year.
Lee voluntarily suspended his IOC activities following his conviction in 2008 for his involvement in tax evasion and breach of trust.
The 67-year-old was given a three-year prison term suspended for five years with a fine of 110 billion won ($95 million) in August.
"As the court ruling has been completed, the IOC can review his status," Kim added.
"If the IOC disqualifies him from the post, he cannot do anything as a member."
Kim expressed the hope that Lee would be given amnesty so that he could resume IOC diplomacy.
"I want the government to see the former chairman not a businessman, but a bigwig in Korean sports," he said.
"As we do not know when the IOC will review Lee's status, the government is advised to take measures so that he can devote himself to sports diplomacy as an IOC member."