By Kim Tae-jong
Seoul’s top educator Kwak No-hyun filed for bail last week, court officials said Monday.
He was detained on charges of illegally paying off a rival candidate in exchange for his withdrawal from last year’s election for superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.
Kwak has continuously maintained his innocence.
According to the Seoul Central District Court, Kwak is accused of having given 200 million won ($174,000) to professor Park Myoung-gee of Seoul National University of Education. He has been suspended from his official duties.
Kwak’s lawyer said, “It’s reasonable to release him as there has been sufficient investigation and there is no concern that he will flee. They could continue the probe without physical detention.”
If bail is granted, Kwak would be able to resume his duty as Seoul’s chief educator at least until a final court ruling.
Citing the possibility of the educator destroying evidence, however, the prosecution responded negatively to the plea for bail.
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