A former South Korean justice minister and his wife, both university professors, have been charged following an academic misconduct investigation tied to their childrens university applications.

Cho Kuk, the former minister who is a professor at Seoul National University, and Chung Kyung-shim, a Dongyang University professor, were indicted on multiple charges on 31 December,the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office confirmed toTimes Higher Education.

The chargesagainst Professor Cho, which come after months of investigation into academic misconduct, include bribery, falsifying documents and obstruction of business, the Yonhap news agencyreported. Professors Cho and Chungare accused of fakingmaterials for their sons application to law school and their daughters entry to medical school.

Professor Choresigned as justice ministeron 14 October after less than two months in the role. That same day he asked to return as a professor atSNU, which granted his request,The Korea Heraldreported. He is listed on theSNU websiteas a criminal law expert.

The Korea Biomedical Reviewwrote on 28 Decemberthat medical research ethics [were] tarnished by the case, which allegedly involved the couples then high school-aged daughter being listed as lead author on aKorean Journal of Pathologystudy, which was later withdrawn.

The scandal left the medical community with a daunting task of restoring trust in medical research,The Korea Biomedical Reviewwrote. After the scandal, professors at the National Cancer Center were found to have put their childrens names as authors of medical journals in an attempt to unfairly boost their academic credentials. The National Academy of Medicine of Korea released a public statement on medical research ethics, emphasising the conscience and education of researchers and calling for the medical community to have self-reflection.

The Korea Timeswrote in an opinion piecethat it was important to overcome ideological conflicts between left and right, which culminated in a corruption scandal involving former justice minister Cho Kuk and his family. [President] Moon [Jae-in] should not compromise his anti-corruption drive. He must put actions before words to create a fair and just society.

A spokesman from the presidents office,speaking to the media, questioned the motivation behind the prosecutors probe.

joyce.lau@timeshighereducation.com

Original post:
Korean professors indicted in admissions case tied to politics - Times Higher Education (THE)