Top official for 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics abruptly resigns

The leader of the organizing committee for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, unexpectedly resigned on Monday.

President Jin-sun Kim delivered his surprise announcement during an executive staff meeting at the committee’s Seoul headquarters.

“PyeongChang 2018 is at a turning point for the latter half of its Games preparation, which requires more detailed planning and execution,” he was quoted as saying in a news release.

His departure comes at a time of some turmoil. The committee is reportedly being audited by government officials and recently had its secretary-general leave, too.

Pyeongchang was selected over Munich, Germany, and Annecy, France, as a host city. South Korea has never before held a Winter Olympics.

“At this critical juncture, I believe that PyeongChang 2018 needs new leadership and a stronger system that will effectively carry out various Games-related projects,” Kim said. “And this is why I decided to resign.”