"Jomin Intern Qualification Should Be Revoked" Im Hyuntaek Reported for Defamation

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk is attending a trial held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on November 20 last year. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Choyoung] Im Hyuntaek, president of the Korean Pediatric Society, who demanded the revocation of medical license of Cho Min, daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, has been accused of defamation.

On the 4th, the "Citizens' Action for Judicial Justice" (Sasehaeng) held a press conference in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office complaint room and announced that they would file a complaint against President Im for defamation and obstruction of intern recruitment work.

The Sasehaeng side stated, "Cho Min is a doctor who has passed the national medical licensing examination conducted by the government of the Republic of Korea," adding, "If there is a problem with Cho’s passing of the medical licensing exam, a formal objection should be raised to the Ministry of Health and Welfare for correction. Recklessly claiming that Cho does not have medical qualifications is nothing but defamation based on false facts."

Sasehaeng also criticized, "Demanding the revocation of Cho’s intern eligibility before the Supreme Court’s final ruling directly contradicts the presumption of innocence principle," and "Threatening that appointing Cho could result in civil and criminal liability is clearly an act of obstruction of recruitment work."

They further stated about President Im, "Im strongly opposed the Moon Jae-in administration’s medical policies and led the medical strike last year, and has expressed his intention to run in the next Korean Medical Association presidential election," adding, "Do not misuse the Pediatric Society for personal political purposes."

Earlier, on the 3rd, President Im posted on his Facebook, "I received a tip that Cho applied for an internship at Hanil Hospital and was scheduled for an interview," urging Hanil Hospital to "revoke Cho’s eligibility to apply for the internship."

President Im claimed, "If Cho is accepted, the director of Hanil Hospital and those involved in selecting interns will end up condoning, aiding, and abetting illegal acts."