Subscribe
E-Paper
By Lee Kyung-min
Police are investigating another alleged sexual abuse case involving a Seoul National University (SNU) professor.
According to the Seocho Police Station in southern Seoul Thursday, an alleged victim, whose identity was withheld, filed a complaint against a dentistry professor for allegedly molesting her since January.
In the complaint, she accused the professor surnamed Paik, at the school of dentistry, of trying to kiss her on Nov. 17 at a cafe, and of holding her hand and touching her on the thigh numerous times since January.
"So far, we have only the student's claim, and nothing is proven yet. We will bring the professor in for questioning next week," said a police officer.
The student also filed a complaint with the SNU Human Rights Center, and an internal investigation is being conducted, according to the center.
"Other than the fact that the professor is being investigated, we cannot disclose any details regarding the matter since the investigation is being conducted on the condition of anonymity. The center will also take into account the police investigation result," said an official at the center, declining to be named.
When the center's investigation results are reported to the university, a disciplinary committee will be formed to determine the level of punishment.
The case comes only a week after another SNU professor, Kang Seok-jin, was arrested on Dec. 3 on suspicion of molesting 22 students over the past 10 years.
The SNU initially accepted Kang's resignation, leaving him virtually off the hook for the alleged crimes, since resigning before the university punishes him guarantees his severance payment, pension and no disadvantages when he seeks new teaching jobs.
However, as public outcry escalated over his alleged sex abuse, SNU changed its stance to reject Kang's resignation and vowed to continue its investigation.
Speaking out against such professorial misconduct, SNU President Sung Nak-in vowed Thursday that university authorities would take stern measures regarding the professors if the allegations are proven true.
The sex abuse cases emerged soon after the university announced a plan in September to draft a Charter of Human Rights, becoming the first university to do so.
Included in the charter is a code of conduct and guidelines for university personnel and students specifically banning any verbal or physical abuse, including sexual assault.
The charter will not detail punishment for violators, but the SNU said at the time that their attempt was exemplary among other universities for being at the forefront of protecting human rights.
When asked about the charter in the midst of the current situation, the SNU Human Rights Center declined to comment.
SNU suffered from a similar sex abuse case involving chemistry professor Shin Jung-hew in 1993.
In October 1993, Woo Hee-jung, a teaching assistant at Shin's office, filed a suit against Shin and then-SNU President Kim Jong-un and the government, demanding 50 million-won ($45,000) in compensation.
Woo alleged at the time that Shin made unwanted sexual advances numerous times, and unilaterally terminated her contract, which was guaranteed for renewal, after she rejected them.
Woo's lawyer was the incumbent Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. After a six-year court battle, Seoul High Court ruled in favor of Woo. case hits SNU
