Former Sungshin Women's University President Convicted of Embezzling School Funds, Suspended Prison Sentence Confirmed

Shim Hwa-jin, President of Sungshin Women's University

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The suspended prison sentence for Shim Hwa-jin (64), former president of Sungshin Women's University, who was indicted for embezzling school funds, has been finalized.

The Supreme Court's 3rd Division (Presiding Justice Kim Jae-hyung) on the 30th upheld the original ruling sentencing former President Shim to one year in prison with a two-year suspension and 400 hours of community service in the appeal trial on charges of embezzlement in the course of duty and violation of the Private School Act.

Former President Shim is accused of misappropriating a total of about 320 million won of school funds for her legal expenses over about 20 occasions from February 2013 to February 2015. Shim's side argued that the expenses were used for presidential duties and that the expenditures went through internal university procedures and legal firm consultations, so there was no problem.

The first trial court rejected former President Shim's claims and sentenced her to one year in prison. The second trial court had the same judgment but added a suspended sentence, stating, "It does not appear that she personally gained financially." The Supreme Court also found no error in the second trial's judgment and upheld the ruling as is.

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