Pusan National University President: "Even If Cho Min's Award Certificate Is Genuine, Other False Records Mean Medical School Admission Cancellation Stands"

The president of Pusan National University has stated that the cancellation of Cho Min's admission to the university's Graduate School of Medicine should be upheld, regardless of the authenticity of the Dongyang University award certificate. Cho Min is the daughter of Cho Kuk, the emergency committee chairperson of the Cho Kuk Innovation Party.

On October 23, at the National Assembly Education Committee's audit held at the Gyeongnam Office of Education, Choi Jaewon, President of Pusan National University, gave this response to a question from Jo Jeonghun, a member of the People Power Party, who raised the issue.

Jae-Won Choi, President of Pusan National University, is answering questions at the National Assembly Education Committee's audit held at the Gyeongnam Office of Education. Photo by Se-Ryung Lee

Assemblyman Jo said, "Recently, Mr. Cho's wife, Jeong Kyungshim, filed a lawsuit against eight individuals, including Choi Seonghae, President of Dongyang University, claiming that their testimonies regarding the award certificate were false," and asked, "One of the reasons for the cancellation of Cho Min's admission to the graduate school of medicine was the alleged forgery of the award certificate. If it is determined that the certificate was not forged, could the decision to cancel her admission also be reversed?"

In response, President Choi Jaewon stated, "It was not only the Dongyang University president's award, but also other career details listed on the application form and personal statement that were found to be false," and added, "The admissions guidelines clearly state that submitting false documents will result in cancellation of admission. Therefore, regardless of the award certificate forgery, if any single document is found to be false, I personally believe the cancellation of admission should be upheld."

Jo Jeonghun, a member of the People Power Party, is asking questions at the National Assembly Education Committee's audit held at the Gyeongnam Office of Education. Photo by Lee Seryeong

Assemblyman Jo then asked, "What do you think about the statement made by Cha Jeongin, former president of Pusan National University and now chairperson of the National Education Commission, who said he was sorry for not being able to protect Cho Min?"

President Choi replied, "From an educator's perspective, a university is a place where the values of lawfulness, fairness, and honesty must be taught," and added, "Based on those standards, I believe the university must continue to realize and embody those values, including in admissions."

When asked, "At that time, one applicant lost the opportunity to become a doctor after training and studying at the graduate school of medicine. Do you not think it is appropriate to say you are sorry for not being able to protect that applicant?" he responded, "I agree."