Jeonbuk National University President Yang Obong Apologizes for Personal Information Leak and Recruitment Corruption Allegations

Fine of 623 Million Won Imposed for Leak of 320,000 People's Personal Information
Park Sungjoon Points Out Urgent Need for Victim Support and Enhanced Security
Kim Yongtae Criticizes Pressure and Coercion on Faculty Recruitment Whistleblower

Yang Obong, president of Jeonbuk National University, is responding to questions at the National Assembly Education Committee's audit held at Jeonbuk National University on the 22nd. Photo by Yonhap News

Yang Obong, president of Jeonbuk National University, once again bowed his head in apology regarding the leak of personal information of current students and alumni, as well as allegations of corruption in faculty recruitment. As lawmakers continued to criticize him during the National Assembly Education Committee's audit, he repeatedly apologized.

Park Sungjoon, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea (Seoul Jung-Seongdong-eul), pointed out during the audit at Jeonbuk National University on the 22nd, "Last year, personal information of 320,000 people was leaked at Jeonbuk National University. As of June this year, there have been 874 civil complaints regarding personal information, 477 email consultations, and 13 cases through the e-People portal." He added, "According to an investigation by the Personal Information Protection Commission, Jeonbuk National University has been vulnerable to security issues since the academic system was first established," and demanded measures to support victims and strengthen preemptive monitoring.

President Yang responded, "First, I apologize for the incident involving the leak of personal information. The police investigation is currently underway, and I am sorry that we were not able to prepare thoroughly in advance."

Previously, in July of last year, the university’s integrated information system 'OASIS' leaked the personal information of about 320,000 people, including current students, alumni, and lifelong education students, resulting in a fine of 623 million won imposed by the Personal Information Protection Commission.

Kim Yongtae, a lawmaker from the People Power Party (Gyeonggi Pocheon-Gapyeong), raised concerns over allegations of corruption in faculty recruitment. Assemblyman Kim emphasized, "During last year's recruitment process for a professor in the Department of Fine Arts at Jeonbuk National University, proper procedures were not followed and a favorable environment was allegedly created for a specific individual. An even bigger problem is that the whistleblower who reported these suspicions was pressured and coaxed by key university officials." He further pointed out, "Jeonbuk National University should not only request an external investigation but also conduct its own internal audit."

In response, President Yang said, "As the head of the university, I am sorry. While we are not an investigative agency and thus have limitations in identifying the facts, we will actively cooperate with the police investigation."

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