New Board Director of Sejong University

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development has appointed Korea University Professor Kim Ho-jin (former lawmaker of the ruling Uri Party) to board director of the Daeyang foundation that runs Sejong University whose board members resigned recently. Presently, the ministry’s decision is drawing attention.

Besides Professor Kim, the temporary board members appointed Friday by the ministry include Min Byeong-cheon, former president of Dongguk University, Son Hyeok-jae, chairman of the steering committee of the People`s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy, Jang Myeong-ho, MBC auditor, Jeong Tae-sang of Naeil law firm, Choe Se-mo of Dasom law firm, Ham Se-ung, president of the Korea Democracy Foundation and several personnel from Lawyers for a Democratic Society (also known as MINBYUN) and other civic groups.

Professor Kim served as the Labor Minister and Korea Tripartite Commission Chairman during the Kim Dae-jung administration, and worked as a special aide for education during President Roh’s election campaign. Currently, Kim is leading a private school conflict arbitration committee under the Ministry of Education, and also serves as chairman of the Uri Party’s advisory council for government affairs.

Adding to this announcement, the ministry explained the reason of the appointment, saying that since his previous experience with the Korea Tripartite Commission and the private school conflict arbitration committee made Professor Kim the perfect candidate for the board director, the ministry strongly insisted that he take office. In January, the ministry appointed Lee Chang-bok to board director of the foundation that runs Kyonggi University, and he is currently leading Uri Party’s constituency office of Wonju city, Gangwon Province.

Through public announcements, the board of directors of Kyonggi University appointed Lee Tae-il as the new president of Kyonggi University on April 27. Lee Tae-il, former president of Donga University, was co-chairman of the Preparing Committee for the Uri Party.

In-Chul Lee inchul@donga.com