[Editorial] Ethical standards

As expected, new allegations and accusations are coming up one after another as prosecutors dig into the case of the deadly humidifier sterilizers that killed more than 100 people.

One of the allegations hit a seemingly unlikely group of people -- academics -- as at least two university professors have been implicated in the case that has generated a public outcry and forced government officials and politicians to take action. 

The two professors -- one from Seoul National University and the other from Hoseo University -- are suspected of tampering with research data on the effect that the humidifier sterilizer made by Oxy Reckitt Benckiser had on the lungs of its users.

The company asked the professors to analyze the effects of its sterilizer in 2011, after the government linked it to the lung illness of its users. Both, of course, pocketed generous fees -- 250 million won ($217,000) each. Prosecutors said that the money went into their universities’ funds and they suspect that the professors received additional money -- privately -- from Oxy.

But Cho, who was taken into custody on a court-issued warrant, denied allegations that he distorted data. He said that he gave Oxy two reports -- in November 2011 and February 2012 -- showing that toxic chemicals were found in the sterilizer.  

Cho went on to accuse company officials of using his research data selectively -- so as to make it favorable to them even though they knew the sterilizer was harmful to humans. He alleged that attorneys from a law firm hired by Oxy also knew about the situation.

This must be cleared up because Oxy, after consulting the law firm, allegedly submitted a report to the prosecution in which it only said yellow dust and pollen could have caused lung problems.

Prosecutors must find out the truth -- whether the professors were bribed to distort research data or company officials and their legal counsels conspired to exploit the data to play down the effect of the deadly chemical.
What is sad is that the implication of the professors, including one from the nation’s most prestigious university, and legal counsels may point to the reality that academics and legal professionals in this society are as vulnerable to corruption as everyone else.