"Students at Seoul National University Demand Removal and Dismissal of Cho Kuk, Saying 'He Does Not Deserve to Keep His Position as Educator'"

The conservative student group at Seoul National University, 'Truth Forum,' announced on the 20th that they will conduct a 'National Petition Urging the Suspension and Dismissal of Professor Cho Kuk.' Photo by Truth Forum Facebook page capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] Seoul National University students have launched a signature campaign urging the suspension and dismissal of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk from his professorship.

The conservative student group at Seoul National University, 'Truth Forum,' announced on the 20th via their official Facebook page that they are starting a signature campaign with a link titled 'National Petition Urging Suspension and Dismissal of Professor Cho Kuk.'

The Truth Forum stated, "Professor Cho Kuk has told so many lies that his title as a professor is meaningless," adding, "Maintaining his position as an educator is unacceptable based on the lies already revealed."

They continued, "If former Minister Cho, who exemplified power-related corruption, continues to teach criminal law at Seoul National University, what more can be expected from SNU? Seoul National University will lose the trust of the public, and its law school will become the most ridiculous university in the world," emphasizing their point.

The group added, "Therefore, we are conducting a national signature campaign to convey the strong will of the people urging the suspension and dismissal of Professor Cho Kuk to Seoul National University," and requested the participation of everyone who shares this sentiment.

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who is accused of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights in connection with the 'Yoo Jae-su inspection cover-up suspicion,' is leaving Seoul Eastern Detention Center in Songpa-gu and heading to his car after his arrest warrant was dismissed on the morning of December 27 last year. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Seoul National University announced on the same day that it has received additional investigation materials related to bribery charges against former Minister Cho from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office and is reviewing whether to initiate suspension and disciplinary action.

After being notified of Cho's indictment by the prosecution on the 13th, Seoul National University requested materials regarding the charges against him from the prosecution.

Former Minister Cho applied to the Graduate School of Law's academic affairs office on the 9th of last month to open a course titled 'Special Research on Criminal Case Law' for the first semester of this year.

If Seoul National University suspends Cho's position, the course is unlikely to be offered. However, suspension of position is a different concept from dismissal or removal and means the temporary cessation of duties such as teaching and research as a professor.

After suspension is decided, separate disciplinary procedures such as dismissal, removal, or suspension without pay may begin. However, it is expected to take time before decisions on disciplinary actions are made through discussions.

The prosecution previously indicted Cho without detention on December 31 of last year on charges including bribery, violation of the Public Official Ethics Act, and use of forged official documents. The Criminal Division 6 of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Lee Jung-seop) also indicted Cho without detention on the 17th of this month at the Seoul Central District Court on charges of abuse of authority.