Naju City Expresses Concern Over Energy University Audit Results... Reconsider Recommendation to Dismiss President

Naju City in Jeollanam-do recently expressed concerns regarding the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s recommendation to dismiss the president of the Korea Energy Technology University (KENTECH) following an audit, stating that it “could negatively impact the university’s operations in its second year since establishment.”

On the 30th, Naju City issued a press release saying, “It is regrettable that the efforts of President Yoon Eui-jun, who worked hard to normalize university operations despite numerous obstacles during the early stages of the university’s establishment, seem to be being denied.”

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 27th that, based on the audit results of KENTECH, it pointed out improper use of the university’s corporate card and business promotion expenses, and stated its intention to recommend President Yoon’s dismissal to the board of directors.

In response, the city stated, “While the inappropriate matters and operational issues revealed by the Ministry’s audit should be improved, the recommendation to dismiss President Yoon is excessive when considering the nature and extent of the violations and the instability of the work system during the early stages of the university’s establishment, in light of the principle of proportionality.”

They particularly emphasized the justification for KENTECH’s establishment and the critical period the university is facing in its second year, urging reconsideration of the dismissal recommendation.

The city stressed, “KENTECH is not just an ordinary university; it was established as a necessary institution from a strategic perspective to respond to the global energy transition era, national energy security, and balanced national development.”

They added, “As the university enters its second year, various roles such as securing the necessary budget for operations and fostering domestic and international as well as industry connections and exchanges are required. It is time for related organizations, including Korea Electric Power Corporation, universities, and local governments, to actively cooperate.”

The city plans to continue unwavering support for KENTECH, a national institution for nurturing talent to lead innovation in the country’s energy science and technology sector, and to actively cooperate with the university’s response regarding the recommendation for the president’s dismissal.

Naju = Kim Yuk-bong, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy bless4ya@asiae.co.kr

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