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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Lee Bok-hyun, the head of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), whose term ends in June, stated that he would ensure a thorough investigation into Sambo Construction.
At the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, Lee responded to questions from lawmakers about the ongoing investigation into Sambo Construction, saying, "I will make sure to handle everything that can be done to ensure a thorough investigation."
Rep. Kim Yong-min of the Democratic Party of Korea asked, "You mentioned completing the investigation into Sambo Construction by the end of this month. Has an investigation been conducted regarding Kim Geon-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol?" In response, Lee said, "The appropriateness of the FSS’s investigation into Sambo Construction will be subject to verification, including audits by the Board of Audit and Inspection and a special prosecutor, so I will carry it out thoroughly."
Lee’s official term ends in June. He had previously made statements indicating his intention to resign after expressing his stance on the Commercial Code amendment request.
Lee explained, "I have reported my position to the Financial Services Commission chairman and the deputy prime minister, but immediately after expressing my stance, the issue of reciprocal tariffs arose, and due to the need to respond to that, I was advised at the macroeconomic and financial issues meeting (F4 meeting) to focus on gathering our business capacity, which is why it has come to this point."
He further clarified, "I have never withdrawn my resignation, but it is true that my resignation has not been accepted." In response to requests from Rep. Jeong Cheong-rae of the Judiciary Committee for him to continue working diligently, Lee replied, "I will do so."
Meanwhile, there is growing expectation that Lee will complete his term by June, as he continues to travel abroad. He has been addressing various issues during his overseas trips. On April 14, Lee held an investor briefing in Hong Kong and discussed capital market issues with global investment banks and securities associations.
Following his Hong Kong trip, Lee is scheduled to visit Switzerland in mid-May. During this trip, he will attend the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, where heads of major financial supervisory bodies and central bank governors gather to discuss global financial issues.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
