University chief summoned in graft probe

Prosecutors have summoned Park Chul, president of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, to investigate allegations that he may have misappropriated school funds.

The summons was issued last week and Park has yet to respond, the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office said on Tuesday.

Park, also chairman of the Korean Council for Presidents of Private Universities, is suspected of embezzling some 106 million won ($100,837) from the school’s public relations and other expenditures between July 2007 and September 2010.

Park was reelected HUFS president in late 2009 for a second term.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology filed a complaint against the leading educator in March after its audits late last year and in February found clues to his irregularity.

Park denied the charges saying that he used the money properly on various school events but failed to keep receipts.

He filed an objection against the audit findings in early April but the educational authorities dismissed it.

Acting on the ministry’s request, the prosecutors have already conducted a preliminary investigation. They traced his bank accounts and found that he purchased more than 100 million won in gift cards. Further investigation will initially focus on how he used them, prosecutors said.

He is also embroiled in a controversy in connection with a school construction project. It is claimed that he may have used his influence to offer inappropriate favors to a certain contractor.





By Jung Eun-jung

(kristin2j@gmail.com)

Intern Reporter