Opposition lawmaker Kim Sun-kyo of the People Power Party demanded that President Lee Jae-myung apologize to the public for appointing Korea Forest Service Commissioner Kim In-ho, who was dismissed on Jan. 21 following a drunk driving incident.
"As the opposition whip on the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, I will not stand by and watch this irresponsible personnel disaster," Kim wrote on his Facebook page. The committee oversees the Korea Forest Service.
"Wildfires are breaking out across the nation, turning our mountains red in this state of emergency," the lawmaker wrote. "I cannot contain my anger that the head of the responsible ministry was lifting a glass and getting behind the wheel instead of protecting the lives and property of our citizens."
Kim also took aim at President Lee's own 2004 drunk driving conviction, for which Lee was fined 1.5 million won.
"Are you worried that your own drunk driving record will be brought up again?" Kim wrote. "I urge the president to reflect on public criticism that his drunk driving history may be sending the wrong signal to public servants that 'this level of misconduct is acceptable.'"