Retired general faces reinvestigation over embezzlement allegation

SEOUL (Yonhap) - Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin has ordered a reinvestigation into accusations that a retired one-star Army officer had embezzled money from his military unit and used it to win a promotion to general last year, officials said Wednesday.
The suspect, identified only as his family name Lee, was accused of allegedly stealing 120 million won (US$110,294) between 2007 and 2008 when he was a colonel at a military police unit of the Capital Defense Command, which is responsible for the defense of the capital.
Lee allegedly used the money to buy gift certificates and lobbied high-ranking officers to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general, according to ministry officials. He was promoted to the rank in December last year.
"Defense Minister Kim ordered a thorough investigation into the allegation to leave no doubt whatsoever," a ministry official said.
The allegation first came to light in January this year after an anonymous letter accusing Lee was sent to the ministry. Military investigators launched an investigation into Lee, but closed the case after he voluntarily retired in mid-February.
Investigators found that the letter was sent by Lee's former subordinate.
South Korea's military has often been under criticism over scandals involving allegations of top brass receiving bribes for promoting colonels.