Korean faculty member at Julliard under probe

Kang Choong-mo

By Kwon Ji-youn

Julliard is conducting an internal investigation into a report of sexual misconduct by a Korean member of its faculty.

Local media reported Thursday that a report filed with the school alleged that pianist Kang Choong-mo's sexual misconduct involved a student and that Julliard filed a follow-up report with the law enforcement. Kang has been prohibited from returning to school premises.

In a letter to members of the Julliard Community, President Joseph Polisi said Julliard is "cooperating fully with the external law enforcement investigation," and that it "does not tolerate inappropriate or illegal conduct and investigates all allegations thereof."

However, Kang told the vernacular Chosun Ilbo on Thursday that he has never sexually harassed a student.

"Julliard is a school that teaches dance and music, so there are stringent rules on physical contact," he said. "The rule says that ahead of any physical contact, I need to ask the student's permission, and I didn't know this."

Kang said that he touched the student's fingers and hands while instructing on the piano and this student found this problematic.

"The student, who I have taught for two years, stated humiliation as the reason for the report," he said. "I've taught for 20 years this way, and never has this kind of contact surfaced as an issue."

Kang said that Julliard suspends all school personnel undergoing investigation upon being reported. Kang has been suspended pending further action by the school.
"I have not resigned from Julliard," he said. "I have been suspended as per the rules, and the investigation is ongoing."

Classical music fans who have come across the news of Kang's alleged misconduct say that it is hard to believe.

Norman Lebrecht, a British commentator on music, detailed President Polisi's letter regarding Kang's alleged misconduct on his website, and visitors commented that Julliard has handled the situation poorly.

One visitor wrote in disbelief, "I know Mr. Kang and I know he is definitely not a person who would do such a thing." Another wrote, "This is not a matter that should be broadcast on the Internet. It is an investigation in progress."

Kang, 55, began teaching at Julliard in 2011. He has won a number of music competitions, including the Frinna Awerbuch International Piano Competition and the Washington International Competition, and has performed solo with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. He studied at Seoul National University, and earned his master's degree from the San Francisco Conservatory and his Artist's Diploma from Peabody Conservatory.

Follow Kwon Ji-youn on Twitter @jennajykwon

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