The president of Korea University has been sentenced to eight months in prison for sexually assaulting a student in her twenties. The university plans to proceed with disciplinary actions following the verdict.
According to Yonhap News on October 14, the Seoul Central District Court's Judge Kang Seong-jin sentenced the university president, identified as A, to eight months in prison and ordered him to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program. However, he was not taken into custody immediately.
A was accused of calling a student to a private location and sexually assaulting her while he was a professor at another university in October 2024.
The court found the victim's testimony to be specific and consistent, deeming it credible. The judge noted, "The defendant, as a university professor, calling a student to a private location for such actions carries significant blame," adding that the victim likely experienced considerable shock.
A's attitude after the incident also negatively influenced the sentencing. The court determined that A's defense team attempted to portray the victim as someone who fabricated the crime for financial gain, causing her significant secondary harm. The victim's pleas for severe punishment due to her mental distress were also taken into account.
A was elected as the new president of the Korea Educational Foundation on May 27. However, after news of his ongoing trial for the assault emerged, calls for his resignation from the university community intensified. A denied the allegations and assumed the presidency in July, but was suspended from his position just one day later by a board decision.
The Korea Educational Foundation plans to initiate disciplinary proceedings against A following the prison sentence. A university official stated that the board will soon hold a disciplinary committee meeting to discuss the level of punishment and make a final decision regarding A's status.
Discussions for selecting a new president will take place after the disciplinary process is completed. Until then, the university will be managed by Acting President Kim Hyun-soo.
The Korea University Student Council, which has been demanding A's resignation, has also called for swift follow-up actions. Student Council President Ji Tae-hoon stated, "We will closely monitor whether the university takes prompt action, such as dismissal, and implements responsible measures."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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