SEOUL – The disciplinary action against Cho Kuk, former Justice Minister and Seoul National University (SNU) law professor, has been lessened by a state appeal committee, following his dismissal last year due to a court verdict that found him guilty of leveraging his influence for his children's academic advantage. This decision, announced by officials on Wednesday, came after the Appeal Commission for Educators under the Ministry of Education deliberated on Cho's case last Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the commission's ruling to downgrade Cho's disciplinary measure to "dismissal" allows him the opportunity to claim full severance pay from SNU. This adjustment contrasts with the initial decision by SNU's disciplinary committee, which would have restricted part of his severance benefits. Moreover, the appeal commission's decision is anticipated to shorten the period Cho is barred from being reappointed as a professor from five years to three years.
Despite the reduction in disciplinary action, Cho's legal representatives have stated his intention to challenge any form of disciplinary measure through an administrative lawsuit, signaling ongoing legal disputes surrounding his case.