MMCA director Chung relieved of post

MMCA director Chung Hyung-min

Chung Hyung-min, director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA), has been fired after allegedly favoring a former student and an ex-colleague in being hired for curator positions at the museum.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said they dismissed Chung, 62, from her position­ Thursday, as the Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) requested an investigation into Chung's corruption in the recruitment process. She may face additional disciplinary action when the investigation results are released.

The BAI found last week that Chung allegedly intervened in the hiring process for curators at the museum in October 2013. She lobbied the document screening judges and manipulated the score cards of both her former student and a former junior staff member in order for them to pass the application phase. Chung also later interviewed the candidates, favoring her acquaintances.

This is the first time a director from the museum was laid off and investigated since its opening in 1969.

The MMCA's Seoul branch is due to celebrate its first birthday on Nov. 13, but has cancelled a press conference organized by Chung's student-turned-curator that was scheduled for next Monday to highlight the one year anniversary.

Yoon Nam-soon, MMCA's secretary general of planning and management, will serve as acting director in the interim.