Opposition lawmakers pressure Seoul education chief to quit

SEOUL, Nov. 17 (Yonhap) -- A group of opposition lawmakers visited Seoul's
education chief and demanded his resignation on Monday, saying he has lost
people's trust as a result of ethical scandals and his failure to appear at a
parliamentary audit.
Kong Jeong-taek, superintendent of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education,
failed to attend a government audit session by the National Assembly education,
science and technology committee on Oct. 24, citing his high blood sugar levels
and a doctor's note saying he needed rest.
The committee lawmakers believe Kong faked his sickenss to avoid fierce attacks
by opposition party members amid ongoing investigations into his financial
affairs.
Prosecutors are investigating the questionable donations Kong received from
private school meal suppliers, private school owners and other interest groups to
fund his election campaign early this year. Kong has acknowledged that he took 1
million won (US$710) each from three school meal agencies in the runup to July's
election, which seriously tarnished his image amid growing concern among parents
over food safety.
Such revelations prompted concerns that Kong, an outspoken supporter of President
Lee Myung-bak's market-oriented, competition-driven education reform, would shape
his policy in line with the business interests of particular interest groups.
"Superintendent Kong, you should resign, as you have lost the trust of teachers
and parents in Seoul and it's now difficult (for you) to continue your official
duty," Rep. Ahn Min-suck of the main opposition Democratic Party, a member of the
education committee, said.
Kong apologized for the scandals, but said he will stay on the job.
"I am regretful and apologize for not having attended the parliament session and
causing ethical issues with regard to the election," he said, "But I will take
responsibility (only) if my deeds are found to be against the law, and I have no
intention of resigning."
Ahn and three other opposition lawmakers in the committee -- Kim Choon-jin of the
Democratic Party, Lee Sang-min of the conservative minor Liberty Forward Party
and Kwon Young-ghil of the progressive minor Democratic labor Party -- then
headed to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to call for a fresh investigation into
other corruption allegations involving Kong but were blocked at the entrance. The
lawmakers staged a sit-in and demanded an apology from the prosecution chief.
Kong, 72, was reelected to his third term in July in Seoul's first-ever direct
election for superintendent, narrowly beating his rival, Jou Kyong-bok, who
campaigned on a platform of egalitarianism in education.
hkim@yna.co.kr
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