Did Special Counsel Raid National Education Commission in South Korea Over Bribery Allegations?
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Synopsis
In a shocking twist, South Korea's National Education Commission was raided by a special counsel team amid bribery claims involving its chief and former first lady Kim Keon Hee. With investigations underway, will justice prevail? Discover the unfolding details of this high-profile scandal.
Key Takeaways
- The National Educational Commission was raided amid bribery allegations.
- Investigations suggest a link between a gold gift and a high-profile appointment.
- Former first lady Kim Keon Hee has had her teaching license revoked.
- Accountability and transparency are crucial in governance.
- This scandal may have lasting effects on South Korea's political landscape.
Seoul, Sep 4 (NationPress) A special counsel team announced on Friday that it executed a raid on the presidential National Educational Commission (NEC) amid accusations of bribery involving its current head and South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
Prosecutors and investigators from the special counsel led by Min Joong-ki conducted searches at the commission early in the day to collect potential evidence related to allegations that NEC Chairperson Lee Bae-yong was appointed to her ministerial role after presenting a gold gift to Kim, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
The inquiry into Lee followed the discovery of a golden turtle weighing 10 don (37.5 grams) and a letter seemingly authored by Lee addressed to former President Yoon Suk Yeol and Kim, during another raid focused on Kim's mother.
The special counsel team suspects that this turtle was given to Kim as a token in return for Lee's appointment as the first chief of the commission in September 2022. Lee offered her resignation on Monday, just a few days after the special counsel searched her home.
On the same morning, the special counsel team also raided the Presidential Security Service to obtain what they termed 'necessary materials for a related investigation.'
Later in a press briefing, they elaborated that the search was associated with claims that Kim and the then-deputy chief of the PSS, Kim Seong-hoon, organized a private gathering aboard a Navy vessel during the summer vacation of Yoon and Kim in 2023.
Previously on Thursday, education officials announced that South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon Hee has had her teaching license revoked after a private university nullified her master's degree earlier this year.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE) recently canceled Kim's teaching certificate following the completion of relevant procedures, including a hearing.
Currently held at the Seoul Southern Detention Centre, Kim did not participate in the hearing or provide any statement, according to officials.
The SMOE has communicated to Kim, through the detention facility, to review the hearing outcomes and transcripts. The revocation will be finalized unless she decides to appeal.
In June, Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul annulled Kim's master's degree from its Graduate School of Education due to allegations of thesis plagiarism. She had acquired her teaching certificate based on this master's degree in education.
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the importance of transparency in governance. This investigation into the alleged bribery linked to the National Educational Commission underscores the need for accountability among public officials. The ongoing probes serve as a reminder that integrity must prevail in our institutions.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the raid on the National Educational Commission?
The raid was initiated due to allegations of bribery concerning the commission's chairperson and former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
What evidence was sought during the raid?
Investigators sought evidence related to a gold gift alleged to have been given to Kim in exchange for an appointment.
What has happened to Kim Keon Hee's teaching license?
Kim's teaching license was revoked by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education after her master's degree was canceled due to plagiarism.
How has Kim responded to the allegations?
Kim has not participated in hearings regarding the allegations, and she is currently detained.
What impact could this have on South Korea's political landscape?
This scandal could lead to significant political repercussions and raise questions about governance and integrity in public offices.
