Assemblyman So Byeong-cheol Criticizes Han Ki-jeong, Fair Trade Commission Chair Nominee, for Public Office Suitability

Only 40 Types of Stocks Held by Candidates and Spouses... 'Infinite Conflict of Interest Concerns if Related Companies Included'

Research Fund Private Contract Violating Seoul National University Regulations, Not a Simple Mistake but a 'Suspected E

[Suncheon=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Democratic Party lawmaker So Byeong-cheol (Suncheon·Gwangyang·Gokseong·Gurye (Gap)) strongly criticized the moral flaws of Han Ki-jung, the nominee for Fair Trade Commission chairman, at the confirmation hearing on the 2nd.

According to Rep. So's office, at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee that morning, Rep. So said, "It was revealed that the nominee and his spouse hold stocks in as many as 40 companies," adding, "The Fair Trade Commission chairman, who oversees fair trade in companies, will acquire internal information, yet he holds stocks in 40 companies." He pointed out, "Considering the 40 affiliated companies, the number of companies with potential conflicts of interest increases exponentially."

He continued, "These concerns should be resolved through stock disposal or legal procedures," to which the nominee Han responded, "I will do so."

Additionally, Rep. So strongly criticized the four research projects omitted from the system registration during Han's tenure at Seoul National University, which were recently revealed by media reports, involving a total research fund of 170 million won.

Rep. So emphasized, "Seoul National University collects indirect costs through the academic committee's review when research is registered in the research administration system, ranging from a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 30%. If it is 30%, that amounts to 51 million won, which is a huge sum," and criticized, "If this is true, it constitutes embezzlement in the course of duty."

In other words, he pointed out that if it is a case of embezzlement in the course of duty, it is a matter that requires serious consideration of the nominee's resignation or other measures.

Meanwhile, Seoul National University collects indirect costs for research projects conducted through the Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation. Major matters regarding collection and distribution are decided through the academic committee's review, and other matters are decided through the research operation committee's review.

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