Ex-SPO CEO to continue legal fight

Chung Myung-whun

Park Hyun-jung

By Lee Kyung-min

Park Hyun-jung, the former CEO of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO), is expected to fight what is seen as a long, uphill battle against the highly regarded, renowned pianist and conductor Chung Myung-whun.

Park filed for a full trial Tuesday following a summary judgment delivered the day before, in which she was found guilty of assaulting SPO officials and fined 3 million won ($2,600).

Her move to have her day in court follows months of accusations which were allegedly concocted by a few that wanted her to be ousted from her position as CEO to cement their own positions and “guaranteed perks” in the city-run orchestra.

Her renewed determination came as the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office reopened an investigation, Monday, into allegations Chung embezzled 140 million won.

This could reverse an earlier determination by a separate unit under the district office that cleared Chung of the allegation that he misappropriated SPO funds over the past decade including 13 million won spent on airline tickets for his family members, that was allocated for his manager only.

Park has been embroiled in allegations that she sexually harassed SPO officials, used abusive language and abused her position to unduly exercise authority in personnel reshuffles, claims which police concluded without merit.

The allegations were made public in December 2014 when 17 SPO employees claimed Park physically and verbally abused them and sexually harassed some male staff, and demanded she resign.

Park stepped down from the post amid pressure from the city government but was cleared of the allegation in August 2015 after police decided not to indict her citing a lack of evidence as witnesses’ statements lacked consistency.

Three months later, in November, police also concluded that the allegation was orchestrated by a group of SPO officials, and booked them on charges of defaming Park.

Police also booked Chung’s wife, surnamed Koo, for her involvement in the suspected orchestrating of the scandal to oust Park, with whom her husband stood at odds over SPO affairs.

Park then filed a suit against Chung for defamation seeking 600 million won in damages. She also sued three Seoul Metropolitan Government officials and two SPO members, seeking 500 million won in damages.

In response, Chung countersued Park for false accusations and libel.

The prosecution earlier failed to question Koo as she is overseas and not subject to local jurisdiction, fanning criticism for what critics call a “half-baked investigation.”

Chung ended his 10-year term with the SPO in December 2015.