The Foreign Ministry is investigating the South Korean consul general in Seattle, Kwon Won-jik, on allegations he made inappropriate remarks to an employee. 

According to diplomatic sources on Tuesday, Kwon has been working from his residence instead of his office since June after assuming the post last December. 

Deputy Consul General Hong Seung-in is said to have been attending to key events in Kwon's stead since June 26. 

Rumors spread that Kwon was suspended from his duties after he failed to appear in public but was later found that he was working from home while the Foreign Ministry conducted its internal investigation. 

A diplomatic source said Kwon is working from home in line with the ministry's measure adopted earlier this year to separate the accused from the victim in the midst of an investigation into a sexual complaint or misconduct. The ministry declined to specify the nature of Kwon's remarks.

Kwon is said to be waiting for a disciplinary hearing to be held. Depending on the hearing’s results, he could step down from his position.