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SKOREA-POLITICS-EDUCATION
South Korean minister quits as education row swirls
SEOUL, Oct 14, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Embattled South Korean justice minister Cho
Kuk resigned Monday as a scandal swirled over academic privileges allegedly
given to his children.
Huge crowds have taken to the streets recently — both against and in
support of the former law professor — following his appointment by liberal
President Moon Jae-in.
Cho’s relatives have been at the centre of probes involving educational
privileges allegedly granted to his children, and also investments in an
equity fund suspected of dubious operations.
Cho’s wife Chung Kyung-sim, a university professor, has been indicted for
allegedly forging a college award for their daughter, with a trial slated to
begin on Friday.
His two children have also been questioned by prosecutors.
Supporters say Cho’s family has been unfairly targeted by prosecutors
because of his promise to reform the investigative agency.
“I have endured day after day trying to fulfil my duty to reform the
prosecution,” Cho said in a statement, noting his “heavy heart”.
President Moon accepted Cho’s resignation and said he was “sorry for
division” his appointment had caused.
But he noted Cho had dutifully carried out his mission during his 35-day
stint and stressed the importance of following up on Cho’s unfinished work.
“His whole-hearted reform drive… has sparked consensus on its needs,” he
said.
Education is South Korea is intensely competitive and top schools are
frequently criticised for elitism — including by Cho, who said they create
an “unfair society”.
He was accused of hypocrisy when it emerged he had sent his daughter to an
elite institution, and that she had appeared to have benefitted from family
connections.
Analysts say the scandal has laid bare worsening class divisions in South
Korea, the world’s 11th largest economy.
Cho made a note of this Monday, saying he was “deeply sorry” for
disappointing young people.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1329 hrs