By Chung Hyun-chae
The Ministry of Education said Friday it will demand Ewha Womans University cancel its admission of Chung Yoo-ra, the daughter of President Park Geun-hye's confidant Choi Soon-sil, following a special audit that confirmed the university gave her preferential treatment in admissions and grading.
Speaking at the Seoul government complex, Education Minister Lee Joon-sik said the probe into Ewha confirmed allegations that Chung was granted special favors in admissions and grading at the university.
The probe ran from Oct. 31 to Nov. 15 and 15 auditors interviewed 118 faculty members face to face.
According to the audit results, Chung earned a chance to bring the gold medal she won in the 2014 Asian Games to her admission interview held on Oct. 18, 2014.
Normally, it's not allowed, because Chung acquired the medal on Sept. 20, 2014, five days after she submitted her admission application.
Chung was admitted to the Department of Kinesiology and Sports Studies in March 2015.
"The chief of admissions at the time knowingly advised interviewers in advance to select Asian Games gold medalists so that Chung could be selected," the minister said.
The audit team also found Chung presented the medal to the interviewees, asking "Can I show my gold medal to you?" and put her medal on the table.
Chung received exceptionally high marks for the interview, according to the probe results, although she didn't perform well during the previous round of screening.
The audit also confirmed that special treatment for the 20-year-old dressage competitor continued during her enrollment.
While Chung didn't show up for eight classes and failed to submit necessary documents required for an excused absence, her attendance record was perfect. In a fashion class, Chung also received high grades even though her homework was poor.
With Chung's admission scandal turning out to be true, the minister said, "The education ministry will request Ewha to revoke her admission."
Chung, who took a leave of absence from the school in September, already filed to drop out.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) also issued the findings of its audit two days ago, saying Seoul Chungdam high School also gave her favors in grading and attendance. Chances are high that her high school graduation will be revoked.
The education ministry plans to demand Ewha seek disciplinary measures for the then-dean of admissions and school officials who offered special treatment to Chung.
The ministry also said it's considering reducing financial aid to Ewha, which won eight projects earlier this year offered by the education ministry.
In a separate move, the ministry said it will open criminal investigations for professors who favored Chung, with charges of impeding performance of duty.
Also, the ministry will ask the prosecution to investigate Choi Kyung-hee, the former university president who stepped down last month in connection with the Chung scandal.
The education ministry vowed to widen inspections to other students with athletic careers.
The Ministry of Education said Friday it will demand Ewha Womans University cancel its admission of Chung Yoo-ra, the daughter of President Park Geun-hye's confidant Choi Soon-sil, following a special audit that confirmed the university gave her preferential treatment in admissions and grading.
Speaking at the Seoul government complex, Education Minister Lee Joon-sik said the probe into Ewha confirmed allegations that Chung was granted special favors in admissions and grading at the university.
The probe ran from Oct. 31 to Nov. 15 and 15 auditors interviewed 118 faculty members face to face.
According to the audit results, Chung earned a chance to bring the gold medal she won in the 2014 Asian Games to her admission interview held on Oct. 18, 2014.
Normally, it's not allowed, because Chung acquired the medal on Sept. 20, 2014, five days after she submitted her admission application.
Chung was admitted to the Department of Kinesiology and Sports Studies in March 2015.
"The chief of admissions at the time knowingly advised interviewers in advance to select Asian Games gold medalists so that Chung could be selected," the minister said.
The audit team also found Chung presented the medal to the interviewees, asking "Can I show my gold medal to you?" and put her medal on the table.
Chung received exceptionally high marks for the interview, according to the probe results, although she didn't perform well during the previous round of screening.
The audit also confirmed that special treatment for the 20-year-old dressage competitor continued during her enrollment.
While Chung didn't show up for eight classes and failed to submit necessary documents required for an excused absence, her attendance record was perfect. In a fashion class, Chung also received high grades even though her homework was poor.
With Chung's admission scandal turning out to be true, the minister said, "The education ministry will request Ewha to revoke her admission."
Chung, who took a leave of absence from the school in September, already filed to drop out.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) also issued the findings of its audit two days ago, saying Seoul Chungdam high School also gave her favors in grading and attendance. Chances are high that her high school graduation will be revoked.
The education ministry plans to demand Ewha seek disciplinary measures for the then-dean of admissions and school officials who offered special treatment to Chung.
The ministry also said it's considering reducing financial aid to Ewha, which won eight projects earlier this year offered by the education ministry.
In a separate move, the ministry said it will open criminal investigations for professors who favored Chung, with charges of impeding performance of duty.
Also, the ministry will ask the prosecution to investigate Choi Kyung-hee, the former university president who stepped down last month in connection with the Chung scandal.
The education ministry vowed to widen inspections to other students with athletic careers.
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