Busan National University to Form Fair Management Committee with 25 Members
Ministry of Education States "We Will Supervise Busan National University Investigation," Drawing a Line
Busan National University Students Say "The School's Avoidance of Responsibility Led to This Situation"
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Following the Ministry of Education's interpretation that action is possible under Pusan National University's regulations regarding the admission fraud allegations involving Cho Min, daughter of former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk, Pusan National University has belatedly launched an investigation.
Pusan National University explained in a statement, "In response to the Ministry of Education's request, the 'Fair Management Committee' will conduct an internal investigation into the admission allegations concerning Cho Min, who enrolled in the 2015 academic year at the Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering."
The university added, "We plan to promptly establish a detailed activity plan and submit it to the university headquarters. The Fair Management Committee will decide on the specific investigation methods, targets, and other detailed future activity plans."
The Fair Management Committee will review what measures the university should take and report the results to the headquarters. Pusan National University stated, "We will fully respect the committee's autonomy, and once the committee's discussions are concluded, we will determine the university's policy after legal review."
The Fair Management Committee consists of up to 25 members, including a chairperson, vice-chairperson, internal members, and at least one external member. The chairperson and vice-chairperson are appointed from among full-time faculty members.
In its statement, Pusan National University explained, "After the admission allegations regarding Cho Min in 2019 were raised, before Pusan National University or the Ministry of Education initiated an investigation, law enforcement agencies conducted searches and investigations. However, it was confirmed that there were no unfair acts or misconduct related to admissions by Pusan National University staff."
The university has maintained its position to handle the matter according to laws and regulations once the court's final ruling is issued. However, the Ministry of Education's legal interpretation that Pusan National University's internal investigation and measures do not violate the presumption of innocence principle triggered the current situation.
On the 8th, the Ministry of Education requested Pusan National University to establish a plan to resolve the admission fraud allegations related to Cho Min. In response, Pusan National University reported on the night of the 22nd, the deadline for submitting official documents, that it would form a dedicated team including the Fair Management Committee.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye explained on the 25th, "It was determined that it does not violate the presumption of innocence principle for a university with the authority to cancel admissions to investigate facts related to internal admission fraud allegations and take measures accordingly." She added, "We reviewed that there is an obligation to investigate the facts and take a series of measures regarding internal admission allegations."
In August 2019, Busan National University students posted a large notice at the school gate demanding an explanation regarding allegations of admission fraud involving Cho Min. (Photo by Yonhap News)
Although the Ministry of Education's policy led to Pusan National University's internal investigation, it drew a clear line by limiting its role to supervising and guiding the investigation. Deputy Prime Minister Yoo Eun-hye said, "Court rulings and university administrative actions are separate matters, and we will supervise and guide Pusan National University's measures." She added, "Pusan National University is well aware of the seriousness of the issue and is expected to proceed with related procedures fairly and promptly."
Earlier, the court acknowledged in the first trial of Professor Jung Kyung-shim, Cho Min's mother, at the end of last year that forged documents, including a certificate of commendation from Dongyang University, were submitted to gain admission to the Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering. The court judged that all admission-related credentials, such as internship certificates, were fabricated.
According to Article 34-6 of the Higher Education Act, if false documents are submitted, the university must cancel the admission. However, the Ministry of Education judged that since this law has been in effect only since June last year, retroactive application to Cho Min, who enrolled in 2015, is difficult.
The Ministry of Education's measures regarding Cho Min differ in tone compared to the case of Jung Yoo-ra. In Jung Yoo-ra's case, the Ministry directly conducted an audit related to her fraudulent admission and demanded Ewha Womans University to cancel her admission.
Within Pusan National University, there is strong public protest over the lukewarm attitude toward canceling Cho Min's admission. Students in the Pusan National University community expressed opinions such as, "Why is the school taking no action against Cho Min?" Another current student pointed out, "The school has avoided responsibility, leading to this situation, and if fraud is revealed, disciplinary action should be taken regardless of the court's ruling."
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