Seoul, South Korea – In a swift response to a scandal that has shaken the nation’s forestry management, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has appointed Park Eun-sik, the current Vice Minister of the Korea Forest Service, as the new head of the agency. The move comes just six days after the dismissal of Kim In-ho, the former Minister of the Korea Forest Service, following his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. The timing of the leadership change is particularly sensitive, as South Korea faces heightened concerns over potential wildfires amid strong winds and dry conditions.
The appointment, announced on February 28, 2026, aims to stabilize the Korea Forest Service and ensure a robust response to the escalating wildfire risk. According to a statement released by the presidential office, Park Eun-sik brings a wealth of experience in forest policy and a reputation for effective communication and collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders. The urgency of the situation, coupled with the need for a swift and decisive response, prompted the rapid appointment, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong.
Kim In-ho’s Dismissal and the DUI Incident
The dismissal of Kim In-ho stemmed from a shocking incident that occurred on February 20, 2026, in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province. Reports indicate that Kim allegedly drove approximately one kilometer whereas intoxicated before colliding with two vehicles – a bus and a passenger car – after nearly hitting a pedestrian crossing a crosswalk. Yonhap News Agency reported that Kim was found to be driving with a blood alcohol content exceeding the legal limit. He is currently facing charges of driving under the influence and violating traffic accident handling regulations.
The incident sparked immediate public outrage, particularly given Kim’s position as the nation’s top forestry official responsible for wildfire prevention and management. The timing was especially problematic, as South Korea was already on high alert for wildfires due to unusually dry conditions and strong winds. The Korea Forest Service immediately launched an internal investigation, which led to Kim’s swift removal from office by President Lee. Police have confirmed they intend to summon Kim for questioning in the coming days to gather further details about the incident. The Korea Herald detailed the sequence of events leading to Kim’s dismissal.
Park Eun-sik: A Profile of the New Forest Service Chief
Park Eun-sik is a seasoned bureaucrat with a long and distinguished career within the Korea Forest Service. He previously served as the Vice Minister, and has held key positions including Director-General of the Forest Industry Policy Bureau and Director-General of the International Forest Cooperation Bureau. His experience encompasses a broad range of forestry issues, from sustainable forest management to international cooperation on climate change and biodiversity conservation. News1 highlighted Park’s extensive background in forest policy.
President Lee’s office emphasized Park’s ability to foster collaboration among various stakeholders, including local governments, forestry workers, and environmental organizations. This skill is considered crucial for effectively addressing the challenges facing the Korea Forest Service, particularly in the context of increasing wildfire risks and the need for proactive prevention measures. The presidential office stated that Park’s appointment reflects a commitment to strengthening the agency’s capacity to respond to emergencies and promote sustainable forest management practices.
Wildfire Concerns and the Current Situation
South Korea is currently facing an elevated risk of wildfires due to a prolonged period of dry weather and strong winds. According to the Korea Forest Service, a total of 19 wildfires have been reported across the country in the past two days (February 21-22, 2026), affecting regions including Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Gangwon Province, South Gyeongsang Province, North Gyeongsang Province, North Jeolla Province, South Chungcheong Province, and North Chungcheong Province. This represents an unusually high number of wildfires for February, raising concerns about a potentially severe wildfire season. The Korea Herald reported that 12 wildfires occurred on February 21st alone, followed by seven more on February 22nd.
The Korea Forest Service, now under the leadership of Park Eun-sik, has convened emergency meetings to assess the situation and implement enhanced wildfire prevention measures. These measures include increased patrols, public awareness campaigns, and the deployment of additional firefighting resources to high-risk areas. Park Eun-sik, in his capacity as acting head of the agency, visited the site of a recent wildfire in Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, on February 23rd to assess the damage and coordinate firefighting efforts. He emphasized the importance of proactive prevention and rapid response in mitigating the impact of wildfires.
Recent Wildfire Activity
The recent surge in wildfire activity underscores the vulnerability of South Korea’s forests to fire, particularly during periods of dry weather and strong winds. The Korea Forest Service is urging the public to exercise extreme caution and adhere to fire safety regulations. This includes avoiding open flames in forested areas, properly disposing of flammable materials, and reporting any signs of fire immediately. The agency is also working closely with local communities to raise awareness about wildfire risks and promote responsible forest management practices.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Park Eun-sik as the new Minister of the Korea Forest Service marks a critical juncture for the agency. He faces the immediate challenge of addressing the ongoing wildfire threat and restoring public confidence in the agency’s leadership. Beyond the immediate crisis, Park will be tasked with implementing long-term strategies to enhance wildfire prevention, improve forest management practices, and promote sustainable forestry. The success of these efforts will be crucial for protecting South Korea’s valuable forest resources and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The next key development to watch will be the outcome of the police investigation into Kim In-ho’s DUI incident. The investigation is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, and the results will likely have further implications for the Korea Forest Service and its leadership. President Lee’s administration has signaled its commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing the scandal, and the public will be closely following the developments as they unfold.
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