The Ministry of Education is pushing for the dismissal of Northeast Asian History Foundation Chairperson Park Ji-hyang, who has been embroiled in allegations of occupational embezzlement.

On August 27 and 28, the Ministry sent official request letters to the foundation, asking it to convene a board of directors meeting and vote on a motion to dismiss Chairperson Park.

During a regular briefing today, Ministry Spokesperson Jung Byung-ik answered "That is correct" when asked whether it was appropriate for the Ministry to pursue the dismissal despite the court's decision to grant an injunction suspending the implementation of her suspension from duty.

"The Seoul Administrative Court's injunction ruling did not cancel the suspension of duty, but rather recognized the temporary maintenance of her duties," Spokesperson Jung said, adding, "The dismissal of the chairperson through the board of directors is not affected by the court's decision."

Previously, Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin notified Chairperson Park of her suspension from duty on July 28.

This followed the Ministry's internal investigation results regarding allegations that she inappropriately used project funds related to Dokdo and Ulleungdo, as well as the budget for the "Demand Forum."

In response, Chairperson Park filed for an injunction with the court, claiming that the Ministry's suspension measure was unfair. The court granted the injunction on August 21, allowing Chairperson Park to return to work.

Following the court's decision, the effectiveness of the suspension of duty against Chairperson Park is suspended until 30 days from the date of the sentencing of the first-instance trial of the main lawsuit.

(Photo: Yonhap News)