Shin, Rohs Aide Had Close Relations
By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Attention is now focusing on the relationship between Cheong Wa Dae policy planning secretary Byeon Yang-kyoon and former Dongguk University assistant professor Shin Jeong-ah, following the prosecution's confirmation that the two had ``close relations.''
The Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office said Monday that e-mails found on Shin's computer showed Byeon, 58, and Shin, 35, had been in contact since before Shin was appointed at the school.
Shin was hired on forged diplomas that showed she obtained a Ph.D. at Yale University. The two frequently met as alumni of Yale, although Shin never graduated. Byeon obtained a master's degree in economics at the renowned American university.
The prosecution said they have found e-mails that showed Byeon and Shin were personally close, but refused to disclose the content. ``We do not disclose private matters which are not directly related to a crime,'' they added.
Cheong Wa Dae, which accepted Byeon's resignation, said Byeon had ``close ties'' with Shin.
A prosecutor said the two exchanged about ``100 love letters,'' some of which contained ``explicit lines.''
The prosecution said it also seized an article that showed the close relationship between Byeon and Shin, but would not confirm what it was, saying it was a ``private item.''
About an allegation that the two frequently called each other, prosecutors said they have not inspected their phone records yet.
It is rumored in the art circle that Byeon came to develop relations with Shin from his passion for art. In high school, he dreamed of studying art, and when attending Korea University, won a literary prize.
Having his own atelier, Byeon is also good at painting and is a painting collector. It is said that the relationship developed from his interest in art and the bonds as Yale alumni.
The prosecution said it is tracing Shin's bank accounts to examine whether Byeon provided money to her, but has not found any evidence yet. A prosecutor said Shin received large salaries from Dongguk University and Sungkok Art Museum where she worked as a curator.
The prosecution plans to summon Byeon after finishing examining seized articles and questioning other key figures involved in the diploma forgery scandal. Investigators again raided Shin's home and Sungkok Museum Monday to find evidence of the allegation that Byeon exercised his influence to get Shin employed at the school and appointed as the director of 2008 Gwangju Biennale. They made their first raid on her home and office last Tuesday.
Prosecutors will question Ven. Jang Yoon, a member of Dongguk University's board of directors, and the school's former President Hong Ki-sam. The Buddhist monk first raised suspicions about Shin's academic credentials, and Byeon allegedly met him to demand he stop making a fuss about the issue. Hong allegedly pushed ahead with hiring Shin despite opposition from other school officials.