President Lee Dismisses Korea Forest Service Chief Kim In‑ho Over DUI Incident

Updated 2026-02-21 05:20:50+00:00 (10 articles)

Image: Yonhap

In this file photo, Kim Hyoung-suk, chief of the Independence Hall of Korea, heads to a hearing at the veterans ministry in the central city of Sejong on Feb. 3, 2026, held to listen to his explanation about allegations of financial misconduct and other irregularities. (Yonhap) Source Full size
Image: Yonhap

Kim In-ho, the minister of the Korea Forest Service, is seen in this undated file photo. (Yonhap) Source Full size
Image: Yonhap

Kim In-ho, the minister of the Korea Forest Service, is seen in this undated file photo. (Yonhap) Source Full size
Image: Yonhap

Kim In-ho, the minister of the Korea Forest Service, is seen in this undated file photo. (Yonhap) Source Full size
Image: Yonhap

Kim In-ho, the minister of the Korea Forest Service, is seen in this undated file photo. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Dismissal Announced on Feb. 21 President Lee Jae Myung removed Kim In‑ho from the Korea Forest Service on Feb. 21, 2026, citing a “serious violation of existing laws” without naming the specific statute [1][2]. The presidential office stressed that senior officials will face “stern” consequences for any future illegal conduct [1][2]. The decision was publicly disclosed in two Yonhap releases released within an hour of each other [1][2].

DUI Charges Prompt Legal Action Bundang police charged the former minister with driving under the influence after he allegedly ran a red light and struck a bus and a car in Seongnam’s Bundang district at about 10:50 p.m. on Monday [1]. The crash caused no injuries, but Kim’s blood‑alcohol level was high enough to warrant a license suspension [1]. Police said they will coordinate a summons to investigate the incident further [1].

Kim’s Academic and Party Background Before his appointment in August, Kim served as an environment professor and held the vice‑chair position of the Democratic Party’s policy committee [1][2]. His technical expertise was highlighted as a qualification for leading the forest agency [1][2]. The rapid rise from academia and party work to a cabinet post underscores his political connections [2].

Administration Emphasizes Accountability The president’s office warned that any future legal violations by high‑ranking officials will meet a “strict response,” reinforcing a broader anti‑misconduct stance [1][2]. Ongoing investigations will determine whether additional actions are required against Kim [1]. The dismissal aligns with recent moves to remove other officials accused of misconduct, such as the Independence Hall chief [3].

Sources

Timeline

Jun 2024 – The Anti‑Corruption and Civil Rights Commission rules that the anti‑graft law does not apply to spouses and clears Kim Keon Hee’s Dior handbag from being linked to President Yoon’s official duties, sparking public backlash and intensifying scrutiny of the agency [9].

Aug 2025 – President Lee appoints Kim In‑ho, a former environment professor and vice‑chair of the Democratic Party’s policy committee, as minister of the Korea Forest Service, marking his rapid rise to a senior cabinet post [1][2].

Dec 5, 2025 – President Lee dismisses Vice Agriculture Minister Kang Hyoung‑seok for “unfairly exercising authority” and “inappropriate behavior,” the first vice‑minister‑level removal since the Lee administration began in June 2025, underscoring a new disciplinary stance [10].

Dec 30, 2025 – President Lee accepts the resignation of ACRC chief Ryu Chul‑whan after mounting pressure following the commission’s June 2024 decision on Kim Keon Hee, a case that saw a senior ACRC official die by suicide, highlighting the political stakes of anti‑graft investigations [9].

Jan 12, 2026 – The Veterans Ministry confirms a special audit that finds 14 irregularities by Independence Hall chief Kim Hyoung‑suk—including rent‑free leasing and solicitation of donations—rejects his appeal, and signals that dismissal proceedings will commence [8].

Jan 13, 2026 – The Independence Hall board schedules a meeting to discuss a motion demanding Kim Hyoung‑suk’s removal, noting the audit’s 14 violations and the Democratic Party’s labeling of him as a “New Right” scholar with a distorted view of history [7].

Jan 19, 2026 – The Independence Hall board votes 10‑2 to demand Kim Hyoung‑suk’s dismissal; Kim retorts that “the audit was conducted with the clear intention to remove me,” while the ruling Democratic Party intensifies calls for his resignation [6].

Jan 27, 2026 – The Veterans Ministry announces a Feb 3 hearing for Kim Hyoung‑suk to explain the alleged misconduct, citing legal requirements for a pre‑dismissal hearing and preparing a formal removal request to President Lee [5].

Feb 3, 2026 – A two‑hour Veterans Ministry hearing hears Kim Hyoung‑suk’s defense; he declares the audit “unfair” and aimed at his ouster, while officials reiterate that dismissal requires a ministerial request and presidential approval [4].

Feb 19, 2026 – President Lee signs off on the dismissal of Independence Hall chief Kim Hyoung‑suk after a veterans‑ministry audit and board motion identify 14 breaches, fulfilling the procedural requirement for presidential approval [3].

Feb 21, 2026 – President Lee dismisses Korea Forest Service minister Kim In‑ho following a police‑confirmed DUI incident in Seongnam, labeling the act a “serious violation of existing laws” and pledging a strict response to future official misconduct [1][2].

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