"If Moon Hyungbae Is Appointed, I Will Protest Alone After Release from Detention"... Identity of University of Seoul Petitioner Revealed

Special Evangelist Who Stormed Western District Court Sends Letter from Prison
Warns: "Will Stage Solo Protest If Moon Hyungbae Is Appointed as Professor"

As news emerged that Moon Hyungbae, former Acting Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, could be appointed as an adjunct professor at the University of Seoul, it was belatedly revealed that a fervent supporter of former President Yoon Sukyeol had submitted a petition to the university. On May 25, Yonhap News reported, "Last week, a handwritten letter arrived at the University of Seoul's Academic Affairs Office. The letter contained a warning that if (Moon) were appointed, the sender would stage a one-person protest near the school after being released from the detention center."

Moon Hyungbae Former Acting Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court. Photo by Jo Yongjun

According to Yonhap News, the person who sent the letter is identified as Yoon, who shares the same name as the "Special Evangelist" who stormed the Seoul Western District Court in outrage over the arrest of former President Yoon Sukyeol. Yoon, known as a Special Evangelist at Sarang Jeil Church led by Pastor Jun Kwanghoon, was detained after being charged with breaking into the Western District Court in January when an arrest warrant was issued for former President Yoon. It is presumed that he sent the letter from prison after hearing reports that Moon might be appointed as a law school professor at the University of Seoul. The university reportedly plans to handle the petition in accordance with its standard procedures.

Moon, who presided over the impeachment trial of former President Yoon, has been classified as a progressive figure from the Woori Law Research Society and has faced intense criticism from Yoon's supporters. In the past, Moon was targeted with slander related to obscene materials posted on an online forum created by his high school alumni, and his neighbors suffered as protests with harsh slogans were staged in front of his home.

As a result, Moon received heightened security compared to other justices, but this protection ended after his retirement on April 18. Meanwhile, rumors of Moon's possible appointment at Pusan National University led to rallies by conservative YouTubers at the university's main gate. However, according to local media such as Gyeongnam Domin Ilbo, Moon stated during a meeting with his benefactor Kim Jangha in April that he was "looking into universities in Seoul."

On May 14, Moon told Yonhap News, "I have been informed by the University of Seoul about an open recruitment and am considering whether to participate in the process." He added, "The recruitment process has not yet begun," and declined to elaborate, but also said, "I am not considering moving to another university."

According to Yonhap News, the University of Seoul is reportedly discussing the possibility of appointing Moon as an adjunct professor at its law school. If the process is completed and he is actually appointed, Moon will teach constitutional law courses starting next semester (the second semester). The University of Seoul Law School is the only public law school in South Korea, with Professor Kim Heekyun serving as dean. The faculty includes experts from various fields, such as Professor Lee Sangkyung (constitutional law), former president of the Korean Constitutional Law Association and chairman of the Law School Council; Professor Jung Byungho (civil law), president of the Korean Civil Law Association; and Professor Cha Seongan (criminal law), a former judge.