Cho Kuk "Clearly Expressed Intention to Resign from Seoul National University... Accused Me of Being a Liar"

"Received Notice That Resignation Is Difficult Due to Suspension from Position"

Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk. / Photo by Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Former Minister of Justice Cho Kuk has directly refuted Seoul National University's stance that "there was no expression of resignation."

Earlier, on the 27th of last month, former Minister Cho stated on his social media service (SNS), "I expressed my intention to resign to Seoul National University in order not to burden the school and students."

However, according to the office of Assemblywoman Hwang Bo-seung-hee the day before, on the 17th, the Seoul National University Academic Affairs Division sent a response to Assemblywoman Hwang's request to "submit related documents if Professor Cho Kuk expressed his intention to resign," stating, "We inform you that Professor Cho Kuk did not express his intention to resign to Seoul National University."

In response, former Minister Cho said, "They are calling me a liar," and "I clearly expressed my intention to resign to the highest personnel officer of the Seoul National University Law School."

He added, "Afterwards, when I consulted with the Seoul National University headquarters, I was notified that resignation was difficult because I was in a 'suspension from duty' status. Therefore, I could not submit a 'letter of resignation,'" and claimed, "The media is slandering me without verifying this simple fact."

Regarding the claim that he continues to receive a salary for two years despite being suspended from his professorship at Seoul National University on the 27th of last month, Cho said, "The People Power Party and conservative media criticized me for maintaining my professorship and receiving a salary without giving lectures," and added, "I endured without explanation until now, but I want to clarify it now."

He explained, "First, giving a partial salary to a suspended professor is according to current regulations," and "I am not receiving illicit money nor am I coveting that money. I expressed my intention to resign to Seoul National University to avoid burdening the school and students, but Seoul National University did not accept my resignation because I was indicted."

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