SNU requests additional probe on wrongful admission

Seoul National University (SNU) reported to the prosecutor¡¯s office Wednesday a student, identified only as Kim (24), who may be involved in a scandal over illicit admissions to local colleges.

After an investigation on wrongful admissions was launched, Kim submitted a request for voluntary withdrawal from school on Dec. 21 on the grounds he/she was unable to adapt to campus life. Kim then left for Argentina.

SNU international exchange center director Park Tae-Ho said Kim¡¯s voluntary withdrawal was put on hold and that if the probe showed that Kim¡¯s admission was wrongful, his/her acceptance would be revoked.

Kim submitted graduation certificates showing he/she had finished elementary and middle school in Argentina, but considering that he had first left Korea when he was 15 years old in 1991, allegations of wrongful admission were made.

Director Park said investigations were made on 7 other students who had suspect records, but that no irregularities were found. Some of the students were discovered to have either entered Korea during the holidays with foreign passports, stayed in Korea for the last 7 months due to illness or failed to have their arrival and departure records logged.

dal@donga.com