Education Chief Says He Won’t Resign

Kim Byung-joon, deputy prime minister and minister of education and human resources development, denied alleged plagiarism and rehashing in his research papers and said he would not resign at the National Assembly’s education committee meeting on August 1.

Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, however, said after the education panel, “I think much of the allegations against him have proved to be false. But since his possible resignation has already become a political issue, I would like to hear more from a broad spectrum of opinions for a day or two before delivering my opinion to the president.”

Cheong Wa Dae said that although the accusations surrounding Kim are not too serious to talk about resignation, it would consider his resignation if the prime minister recommends it.

President Roh is expected to discuss the issue with Han sooner or later, and make a decision on it.

Minister Han met with ruling Uri Party lawmakers to talk about the issue on the same day, and the party members are reported to have said his resignation is inevitable.

Education Minister Kim dismissed his possible resignation saying, “I have no intention to resign at all,” after being asked by reporters. To the question about his remarks, “I don’t want to cling to my post,” at the committee, he also said, “I didn’t talk about my resignation. I came to clarify facts.”

Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Jung Tae-ho said after the committee meeting, “Cheong Wa Dae keeps its stance that Minister Kim had not done wrong enough to resign. But we think the allegations suggested by the news media were meaningful as we could objectively clarify facts.”

In a chief secretary meeting hosted by presidential chief of staff Lee Byung-wan, Jung also reportedly said that the National Assembly’s panel was a de facto hearing that dissolved suspicions on Kim.

Meanwhile, floor leaders of four opposition parties gathered together and said that if Minister Kim continues to refuse to resign and Prime Minister Han does not recommend resignation to the president, they would submit a dismissal motion in the Special Session of the National Assembly in August.

yongari@donga.com sys1201@donga.com