Seoul National University Professors' Council: "Disciplinary Committee Referral for Prosecuted Cho Kuk Must Be Decided Swiftly"

"University Autonomy and Students' Right to Learn Must Not Be Violated"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] The Seoul National University Professors' Association (SNU Professors' Association) has issued a statement urging the university administration to promptly decide on disciplinary action regarding former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who has been indicted by the prosecution.

On the 21st, the Professors' Association released an "Opinion on the Fact-Finding Regarding Professor Cho Kuk" stating, "We have demanded that the university administration take swift measures necessary to prevent class disruption and protect students' right to learn while proceeding with fact-finding and referring the matter to the Faculty Disciplinary Committee regarding Professor Cho Kuk." The Professors' Association is a self-governing body consisting of all full-time professors at Seoul National University.

The association emphasized, "The university administration should proceed with related procedures such as referring the case to the Faculty Disciplinary Committee, applying the same standards as with other cases, considering not only the legal judgment on Professor Cho but also the ethics and responsibilities as an educator."

They further urged, "We hope the university will take all necessary measures promptly to thoroughly protect students' right to learn and prevent any damage to Seoul National University's reputation."

Additionally, the Professors' Association stated, "Since the second half of last year, various demands from organizations regarding investigations and disciplinary actions against Professor Cho, as well as campus rallies, have caused a decline in the academic atmosphere and administrative paralysis. There are concerns about disruptions to classes, such as students avoiding lectures or courses being canceled." They added, "No political issues or factions should infringe upon the university's autonomy and students' right to learn."

Earlier, former Minister Cho Kuk resigned from his post and returned to his position as a professor at Seoul National University in October last year. On the 9th, he expressed his intention to the university to open a course titled "Special Research on Criminal Case Precedents" in the first semester of the 2020 academic year at the Law School.

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office indicted former Minister Cho on 11 charges, including bribery and violations of the Public Officials Ethics Act, without detention on the 31st of last month. Subsequently, on the 13th, they notified Seoul National University, his affiliated institution, of the indictment.

Seoul National University requested additional materials related to former Minister Cho from the prosecution on the 20th and, after receiving them, is reviewing whether to suspend his position and initiate disciplinary procedures.

According to Article 58 of the Private School Act, which Seoul National University applies, appointing authorities may withhold appointment from faculty members indicted in criminal cases. Although Seoul National University is a national university corporation, it follows the Private School Act regarding faculty qualifications, appointments, and disciplinary actions.