Korea Forest Service Minister Kim In-ho has been dismissed, six months after taking office, following a drunk driving incident.

President Lee Jae Myung ordered Kim's dismissal after confirming the minister had committed a serious legal violation that sparked public concern, the presidential office said Saturday.

Kim allegedly drove while intoxicated and struck two vehicles at an intersection in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, at around 10:50 p.m. Friday, with police at the scene determining that his blood alcohol level was high enough to warrant suspension of his driver’s license.

The presidential office said the administration will respond strictly to violations of laws and regulations by senior officials across government agencies, as part of efforts to reinforce discipline in the public service and meet public expectations.