Indicted on Charges of Bribery and Abuse of Power... Deemed Difficult to Perform Duties
Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, who is accused of covering up the Blue House inspection of Yoo Jae-su, former Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Busan, is responding to reporters' questions as he enters the courtroom to attend the detention warrant hearing held at the Seoul Eastern District Court in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 26th. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Professor Cho Kuk of Seoul National University School of Law, who was indicted without detention on charges including bribery, has been suspended from his position.
Seoul National University announced on the 29th that Professor Cho Kuk, who resigned as Minister of Justice and returned to the School of Law in October last year, has been suspended from his position following his indictment on charges of bribery and abuse of authority.
Seoul National University stated regarding Professor Cho, "We have determined that normal job performance is difficult and have decided to suspend his position as of the 29th in accordance with relevant regulations," adding, "Suspension of position is an administrative measure that suspends the duties of a professor, unlike disciplinary actions that determine guilt or innocence."
According to the Private School Act, if a faculty member is indicted in a criminal case, the school may suspend their position to protect students' right to education. Although Seoul National University is a national university corporation, it applies the Private School Act in regulations concerning faculty discipline.
During the suspension period, 50% of the monthly salary is paid for the first three months, and thereafter 30% of the monthly salary is paid.
This suspension decision leaves room for future discussions on disciplinary procedures such as dismissal, removal, or suspension regarding Professor Cho.
However, even if disciplinary procedures are initiated, it is expected to take considerable time before decisions on whether to discipline and the level of discipline are made.
A Seoul National University official explained, "It is necessary to convene a disciplinary committee and hear the party's explanation, and disciplinary discussions are often temporarily suspended depending on the progress of the trial."
Meanwhile, Professor Cho took a leave of absence from his position at Seoul National University in May 2017 when he was appointed Senior Secretary to the President for Civil Affairs, returned to his position on August 1 this year after stepping down from that role, took another leave of absence on September 9 when nominated as Minister of Justice, and returned again on October 15 following his resignation from the ministerial post.
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