The South Korean presidential office announced Friday that it is actively considering the dismissal of Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairperson Lee Jin-sook following serious allegations that she violated her duty to maintain political neutrality in her official capacity.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung revealed during a press briefing that the Board of Audit and Inspection, South Korea's national auditing body, reached a definitive conclusion in July that Lee had breached her fundamental obligation to remain politically neutral while serving in her regulatory role. The audit findings represent a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Lee's leadership of the telecommunications and broadcasting oversight agency.

"The violation of political neutrality is considered a very grave issue. This alone is very serious," Kang emphasized to reporters, highlighting the administration's view that such breaches constitute grounds for potential removal from office. The spokesperson's comments signal that the presidential office views political neutrality violations as among the most serious infractions a public official can commit.

Lee Jin-sook was originally appointed to lead the Korea Communications Commission by former President Yoon Suk Yeol in July 2024, making her tenure relatively brief before these neutrality concerns emerged. Her appointment came during a period of significant political transition and regulatory oversight challenges in South Korea's communications sector.

The controversy surrounding Lee's leadership reached a critical juncture earlier this year when the National Assembly voted to impeach her over allegations related to a controversial decision-making process at the state broadcasting watchdog. However, in January, the Constitutional Court ultimately rejected the legislative impeachment effort, allowing Lee to continue in her position despite the political pressure and scrutiny surrounding her conduct.

The current consideration of dismissal by the presidential office represents a separate administrative action based on the audit findings, rather than a legislative impeachment process. This distinction is significant as it demonstrates the executive branch's independent assessment of Lee's fitness to continue serving in the crucial role of overseeing South Korea's communications and broadcasting industries.