By Han Sang-hee

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea said Sunday it is investigating whether the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology's (KAIST) penalty tuition system violates human rights.

The investigation follows the New Progressive Party's petition filed with the commission on April 8, stating that the school's system violated KAIST students' right of equality and the right to pursue one's happiness.

"We have asked the school for materials regarding their school policy management and related documents. If the school abolishes the tuition system, there will be no need for the measures, but since the situation looks undetermined, we will keep a watch on KAIST's countermeasures," an official from the commission said.

The commission added that this was the first time for such a petition to be registered concerning a university, although there were examples of discrimination based on grades at high schools.

The penalty tuition system became a controversy after four students committed suicide within the past four months. Through the system, KAIST President Suh Nam-pyo slapped a 63,000 won ($58) penalty per 0.01 credits to students who scored below the grade point average of 3.0 out of 4.3.

The prestigious school has gone through quite a wild ride since January, with the suicides of four students as well as one professor and the ensuing public demand for Suh's resignation including revamping policies to lessen the "excessive" competitiveness imposed on KAIST students.