KOFIC's secretary general facing fresh allegations over misappropriating taxpayers' money

By Kwak Yeon-soo

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

The Korean Film Council's (KOFIC) secretary general is facing fresh allegations of misappropriating taxpayers' money.

The local media outlet, Cine 21, reported Wednesday that newly-appointed KOFIC secretary general Kim Jung-seok spent taxpayers' money at night clubs, escort clubs and massage parlors while serving as secretary general of the Jeonbuk Independent Film Association in 2005.

Independent filmmakers condemned KOFIC for turning a blind eye to such accusations, pressuring the organization to reconsider appointing the controversial figure to the post.

“Kim exploited his position and misappropriated 35 billion won ($31.3 million) for personal use, spending it at entertainment venues, clubs and massage parlors. Paying back the expenses doesn't erase his problematic history,” they said in a joint statement, Friday.

“The major problem is that this wasn't a one-time thing. He repeatedly spent tax money in such disgraceful places and paid it back when his embezzlement was exposed. His wrongdoing undermines the honor and trust of the organization, so he must take full responsibility for any damage,” they added.

Responding to the controversy surrounding Kim, KOFIC said it has no plan to scrap its appointment.

“Kim has done something morally reproachable, but he admits his faults and is reflecting on his mistakes,” a KOFIC official said. “Also, we firmly believe that he is the right man for the position as he has diverse ideas and solutions to bring filmmakers together and carry out new film policies.”

In March, the Korean Film Producers Association demanded that KOFIC cancel its appointment of Kim, raising doubts over his eligibility. Critics of KOFIC also accused Kim of embezzling public funds and not paying film staff while working as a producer at the Incheon Film Commission in 2010.

“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,” it said in a statement.

After the outcry, KOFIC formed a special committee to conduct an internal investigation on the allegations and concluded that he was cleared of all suspicion.

“We have found that there were some inappropriate expenditures of business-related activities and problems in the budget execution process, such as not taking appropriate procedures when spending. However, he paid everything back,” KOFIC said in a statement Monday. “He was not charged with any wrongdoing in relation to the allegations of embezzlement and not paying salaries.”