Seoul National University Faculty Council Supports Board's Verification of Presidential Candidates, Calls for Special Audit

The Faculty Council of Seoul National University has expressed its respect for the Board of Trustees' recent decision regarding the verification of presidential candidates, while officially calling for a separate special audit by the university administration.

In a statement released on October 22, the Faculty Council said, "We respect the Board's decision on the verification of presidential candidates announced on October 20," and emphasized that candidates must be rigorously evaluated to ensure they possess the high moral standards and qualifications required of a president, as well as a track record of exemplary conduct.

The Faculty Council urged candidates to actively cooperate in the verification process to ensure a fair evaluation.

Separately from the Board's verification, the Faculty Council stressed the necessity of a special audit by the university administration. They stated, "The status of being a presidential candidate does not exempt one from the strict standards applied to regular professors," and insisted that it is essential to confirm whether the candidates' actions comply with the virtues expected of faculty members and the university's regulations.

Faculty Council President Lim Jeong-mook remarked, "The leadership of the president begins with outstanding educational capabilities, as well as character and morality that serve as a model for fellow professors," adding that the rigorous standards raised during the election process must be applied equally to ensure the minimum legitimacy of the president. He further stated, "If the authenticity of the whistleblower claims is clarified through strict verification, it will demonstrate Seoul National University's capacity for self-purification and solidify trust both within and outside the university. We ask all members to maintain trust and patience while awaiting the investigation results."

Meanwhile, the Presidential Recommendation Committee has narrowed the candidates to three: Kang Jun-ho from the College of Education, Choi Hae-cheon from the College of Engineering, and Lee Jae-young from the College of Humanities. The Board is expected to select the final candidate after interviews scheduled for November.