By Kang Seung-woo
The new head of the Korean Red Cross (KRC) is embroiled in another scandal after it was revealed she had not paid annual membership fees to the humanitarian body.
According to Rep. Kim Yong-ik of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) on Wednesday, Kim Sung-joo, owner of the fashion company MCM, had not paid her Red Cross membership dues for five years. She was appointed to head the non-profit organization last week.
The KRC fee, used to support such activities as blood service and aid projects for North Korea, is suggested for members between the ages of 20 and 69. A business owner like Kim is expected to pay 30,000 won ($28) a year.
The fee is not mandatory, but Kim's non-payment could be construed as a sign that she had no interest in the KRC's projects before her appointment.
"It is questionable how she will encourage people to pay their dues, when she did not," Rep. Kim of the NPAD said, calling for Kim Sung-joo's resignation.
In response, Kim paid 1 million won to the KRC later in the day as part of a special fee meant to include the five years' worth of unpaid dues.
In addition, the NPAD lawmaker criticized the KRC's selection procedure, saying its officials just said "yes" to President Park Geun-hye's appointee.
"The KRC central committee meeting recommended Kim as a lone candidate and selected its president within just 11 minutes," he said.
However, the KRC denied that was the case, saying it had followed appropriate steps.
"Kim donated goods worth 80 million won to the KRC in 2012," a KRC official said. "The central committee chose Kim for the post after considering her insight and active social contributions."
When President Park chose Kim as the KRC's 28th chief last week, the decision created controversy, including speculation that Park was rewarding Kim for her help in the 2012 presidential campaign.
Kim has no experience in the non-profit world.
She will begin her three-year term as KRC president on Oct. 8.
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| Kim Sung-joo |
According to Rep. Kim Yong-ik of the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy (NPAD) on Wednesday, Kim Sung-joo, owner of the fashion company MCM, had not paid her Red Cross membership dues for five years. She was appointed to head the non-profit organization last week.
The KRC fee, used to support such activities as blood service and aid projects for North Korea, is suggested for members between the ages of 20 and 69. A business owner like Kim is expected to pay 30,000 won ($28) a year.
The fee is not mandatory, but Kim's non-payment could be construed as a sign that she had no interest in the KRC's projects before her appointment.
"It is questionable how she will encourage people to pay their dues, when she did not," Rep. Kim of the NPAD said, calling for Kim Sung-joo's resignation.
In response, Kim paid 1 million won to the KRC later in the day as part of a special fee meant to include the five years' worth of unpaid dues.
In addition, the NPAD lawmaker criticized the KRC's selection procedure, saying its officials just said "yes" to President Park Geun-hye's appointee.
"The KRC central committee meeting recommended Kim as a lone candidate and selected its president within just 11 minutes," he said.
However, the KRC denied that was the case, saying it had followed appropriate steps.
"Kim donated goods worth 80 million won to the KRC in 2012," a KRC official said. "The central committee chose Kim for the post after considering her insight and active social contributions."
When President Park chose Kim as the KRC's 28th chief last week, the decision created controversy, including speculation that Park was rewarding Kim for her help in the 2012 presidential campaign.
Kim has no experience in the non-profit world.
She will begin her three-year term as KRC president on Oct. 8.
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