"Score Adjustment and False Entries... Serious Damage to Fairness"
Defendant: "It Was a Mistake, Not Intentional"... Sentencing on August 12
Prosecutors have requested a three-year prison sentence for the former head of the personnel team at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, who was indicted for interfering in the recruitment process for the audit officer position.
According to legal sources and Asia Economy's coverage on July 23, Judge Ji Hyesun of the Gwangju District Court Criminal Division 5 concluded the oral arguments the previous day in the case against Mr. A (55), the former head of the personnel team at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education, who was indicted on charges including falsification of official documents, violation of the Local Public Officials Act, and obstruction of official duties by fraudulent means.
Mr. A was brought to trial on charges of being involved in the score adjustment of candidate B, a high school classmate of Superintendent Lee Jeongseon, during the recruitment process for the audit officer at the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education in August 2022.
At the time, Mr. A was found to have encouraged the interview panel to adjust the scores by saying, "A young person should not become the audit officer," after candidate B's score was lower than those of other applicants. Subsequently, candidate B's total score was raised by 16 points, moving from third to second place, and was ultimately appointed to the position.
Prosecutors determined that Mr. A instructed that candidate B be falsely listed as a nominee recommended by the Ministry of Personnel Management and indirectly conveyed ranking information to the interview panel, thereby influencing the scoring. They also stated that forensic analysis confirmed that only the 'superintendent meeting schedule' had been selectively deleted.
During the sentencing hearing, there was also debate over the admissibility of related audio recordings. The defense argued that the files obtained after the deadline for returning seized items constituted illegally collected evidence, while the prosecution countered that there were no procedural flaws. The recordings contained statements such as "to protect the superior" and "the lawyer sent by the superior," and prosecutors questioned whether "the superior" referred to the superintendent. Mr. A testified that the term only referred to higher-ranking officials, such as department heads or bureau chiefs, and that he had never referred to the superintendent.
Mr. A admitted to checking the applicant rankings through a laptop screen shown by a working-level official, but stated that he did not see the names or know any personal information. He repeatedly denied any intent.
Prosecutors stated, "The defendant, after selecting a specific individual, intervened in the composition of the interview panel and the score adjustment, seriously undermining the fairness and transparency of the open recruitment process," and added, "As the defendant denies the crime and shows no sign of remorse, a severe punishment is necessary."
Mr. A appealed for leniency, saying, "I fully acknowledge responsibility for certain administrative mistakes and have already been subject to disciplinary action," and "Please consider that I have served as a public official for 35 years without a single disciplinary action."
The sentencing hearing for Mr. A is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on August 12 at the Gwangju District Court.
Previously, prosecutors launched an investigation into Superintendent Lee Jeongseon of the Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education on charges of abuse of authority and obstruction of the exercise of rights in connection with this case. After conducting searches and seizures of the superintendent's office and personnel-related departments, the superintendent's appeal was dismissed by the Gwangju District Court. The case is currently awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court.
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