Independence Hall of Korea Pays Salaries to Both Former and Current Presidents

[Anchor]

A legal battle is underway regarding the dismissal of former Independence Hall of Korea President Kim Hyeong-seok, who was removed from his post following controversy over his views on pro-Japanese activities. After losing in the first trial, he won in the second trial this past May. As a result, the Independence Hall has been paying salaries to both the former president and the current president since May.

TJB reporter Lee Seon-hak has the story.

[Reporter]

Former Independence Hall of Korea President Kim Hyeong-seok was dismissed in February following controversy over his "New Right" views shortly after taking office.

Immediately after his dismissal, Kim took legal action by filing for an injunction to suspend the execution of the dismissal decision against the government.

While the first court rejected the request in March, the appellate court ruled in May that while Kim would not be reinstated to his duties, his salary must still be paid.

However, as new President Kim Hee-gon had already taken office and begun his duties in the meantime, an unprecedented situation has arisen where the Independence Hall must pay salaries to both the former and current presidents in accordance with the court's decision.

It has been confirmed that the Independence Hall of Korea has already paid salaries to former President Kim Hyeong-seok for May and June.

Given that the former president's annual salary is approximately 130 million won, the two months of salary are estimated to be around 20 million won.

Employees at the Independence Hall of Korea are unable to hide their bewilderment over the situation.

[Interview] Ok Ju-yeon / Head of the Independence Hall of Korea Labor Union: "If salaries are being paid to two heads of the institution, it will inevitably cause major problems for the organization's budget. Furthermore, it is difficult to understand why someone who was dismissed through the proper procedures of the board of directors continues to pursue this litigation."

Currently, both the government and former President Kim have appealed to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the main lawsuit filed to cancel the dismissal, which is separate from the injunction request, has not even had a hearing date scheduled yet.

As former President Kim's term was originally set to end in August next year, the controversy over double salary payments is expected to continue for a considerable period, depending on the Supreme Court's ruling and the progress of the main lawsuit.

(Video by Kim Seong-soo, TJB)

Reported by Lee Seon-hak, TJB

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