KOFIC under fire for appointing embezzlement suspect to key post

By Park Ji-won

Logo for the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) / Courtesy of KOFIC

The Korean Film Council (KOFIC) faced criticism from filmmakers for appointing as its secretary general a man suspected of embezzling taxes to pay for clubs and groceries in the past.

The Korean Film Producers Association released a statement Wednesday demanding that KOFIC cancel its appointment of Kim Jung-seok, who previously served as secretary general of the Jeonbuk Independent Film Association. They claimed that Kim is not qualified for the post because of the embezzlement accusation.

“It is inappropriate for KOFIC to go ahead with the appointment of a person under suspicion of embezzling tens of millions of won in taxpayers' money to a position that oversees an annual film development fund worth over 100 billion won. We are extremely worried about this decision and question whether KOFIC was aware of the problem and appointed him under the proper confirmation process,” the Korean Film Producers Association said in a statement.

It added that Kim resigned as secretary general of the Jeonbuk Independent Film Association in2005 for embezzling money from a project for the culture ministry and spending 35 billion won at adult clubs and supermarkets, which was revealed by multiple news outlets.

“KOFIC did not do a background check on him regarding the embezzlement allegation … The appointment should be canceled because of lax appointment procedures.”

However, KOFIC said it followed proper procedures according to law.

“Kim, then candidate for secretary-general, submitted a letter of explanation about the allegation. Regarding the issue, he said he spent too much money on a project for the Jeonbuk Independent Film Association as secretary general and admitted his wrongdoings, but said he implemented necessary measures to take responsibility for the allegation. After reviewing the document, the appointment committee of KOFIC voted to appoint him on Feb. 8. The appointment was made through procedures by law,” KOFIC said.