 ▲ 청와대 ©뉴시스 |
음주 운전 사고를 일으킨 혐의를 받는 김인호 산림청장이 21일 직권 면직됐다.
청와대 대변인실은 이날 오후 언론 공지에서 "대통령은 산림청장이 중대한 현행 법령을 위반해 물의를 야기한 사실을 확인 후 직권 면직 조치했다"고 밝혔다.
그러면서 "앞으로도 정부는 공직 사회 기강을 확립하고, 국민 눈높이에 맞는 행정 실현을 위해 각 부처 고위직 법령 위반 행위에 대해 엄중 처리할 방침"이라고 전했으나 면직 사유의 구체적 내용 관련해선 감찰 관련 사안이란 이유로 공개하지 않았다.
하지만 관련 부처 안팎에선 면직 사유가 음주운전 적발에 따른 것으로 전해지는 가운데 경찰 조사 결과 김 청장의 당시 혈중알코올농도는 면허 정지 수준인 것으로 알려졌다.
지난 30년간 모 전문대 교수를 지낸 김 청장은 2022년 4월 더불어민주당에 입당해 2025년 3월부터 8월까지 정책위 부의장을 지낸 후 산림청장에 임명된 바 있다.
영문 기사의 [전문]입니다. '구글번역'은 이해도 높이기를 위해 노력하고 있습니다. 영문 번역에 오류가 있을 수 있음을 전제로 합니다.<*The following is [the full text] of the English article translated by 'Google Translate'. 'Google Translate' is working hard to improve understanding. It is assumed that there may be errors in the English translation.
The Blue House announced the immediate dismissal of Korea Forest Service Director Kim In-ho for violating current laws and causing controversy.
"We plan to deal strictly with violations of laws and regulations by high-ranking officials in each ministry." The reason for the dismissal was not disclosed, but it was reportedly due to being caught driving under the influence. Police investigation results showed that Director Kim's blood alcohol level at the time was at the level of a license suspension.
-kihong Kim reporter
Kim In-ho, head of the Korea Forest Service, was dismissed on the 21st after being accused of causing a drunk driving accident.
The Blue House Spokesperson's Office announced in a press release that afternoon, "The President has dismissed the head of the Korea Forest Service after confirming that he violated a significant law and regulations, causing controversy."
The spokesperson added, "The government will continue to strictly enforce public discipline and address violations of laws and regulations by high-ranking officials in each ministry to ensure public administration meets the public's expectations." However, the specifics of the dismissal were not disclosed, citing the matter as an inspection-related matter.
However, sources within and outside the relevant ministry believe the dismissal was due to a drunk driving incident. Police investigations have revealed that Kim's blood alcohol content at the time was at a level that warrants license suspension.
Director Kim, who served as a professor at a specialized college for the past 30 years, joined the Democratic Party of Korea in April 2022 and served as Vice Chairman of the Policy Committee from March to August 2025 before being appointed Director of the Korea Forest Service.
