Seoul National University Suspends Professor Lee Byung-cheon Amid Allegations of Research Fund Misappropriation

Seoul National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation "Intentional Act Confirmed, Serious Misconduct"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Professor Lee Byung-cheon of Seoul National University College of Veterinary Medicine, who was embroiled in allegations of 'improper research fund payments,' has finally been suspended from his position.

Seoul National University announced on the 14th that it decided to suspend Professor Lee from his position the previous day.

Earlier, Professor Lee was suspected of not providing the promised living expenses to foreign students working in his laboratory, instead paying them less than promised. The source of the living expenses for the foreign students in question was reportedly research funds received from the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation.

Seoul National University's Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation conducted an internal audit from August to December last year and judged that there was "intentional wrongdoing and the degree of misconduct was severe" regarding the allegations of improper research fund payments by Professor Lee.

Seoul National University plans to hold a disciplinary committee meeting to decide on the final measures after reviewing Professor Lee's appeal.

Professor Lee was reported by an animal protection organization in April last year for violating the Animal Protection Act by experimenting on and abusing retired quarantine detection dogs. The police forwarded the case to the prosecution with a recommendation for indictment in November last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.