President accepts dismissal of spokesperson Kim Sang-ho over illegal construction row

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak has accepted the resignation of Kim Sang-ho, the spokesperson for the presidential office, amid controversy surrounding alleged illegal construction. The dismissal comes after reports surfaced that Kim had illegally expanded a multi-story building he owns in Seoul's Daechi-dong neighborhood.

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The Chunchugwan director has been dismissed.

The controversy centered on the first floor of the five-story building, which was reportedly converted into studio apartments for rent without proper authorization. Kim Sang-ho, who had previously offered his resignation on several occasions, submitted his formal resignation on July 4, shortly after the president's trip to South America.

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The parking area was already changed into a studio apartment when I bought it.

Kim had explained that the parking area of the building was already converted into a studio apartment when he purchased it. However, he acknowledged the seriousness of failing to complete the necessary administrative procedures in a timely manner. The presidential office conducted a fact-finding investigation into the allegations before making the final decision on his dismissal.

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I take seriously the fact that I failed to complete the necessary administrative procedures in a timely manner.