South Korea's former defense minister, appointed Australian ambassador, banned from leaving the country over suspicions during his tenure. Lee Jong-seop, who served as defense minister until October last year, will be appointed ambassador to Australia.
Opposition parties in South Korea criticizing him and calling for his appointment to be rescinded. A presidential official said, ``We were not aware of the fact that he was banned from leave the country,'' and it is unclear whether he will be able to continue in his post.