Prosecutors Seek Further Probe into Dongduk Women's University President Over Embezzlement Allegations

Prosecutors have requested supplementary investigation from police regarding embezzlement allegations against the president of Dongduk Women's University.

The Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office asked Jongam Police Station to conduct additional investigation into President Kim Myung-ae's alleged embezzlement and breach of duty, the Women's Party said Saturday.

Prosecutors also requested reinvestigation of six individuals, including Chairman Cho Won-young, whom police had cleared of charges.

The Women's Party filed a complaint with police in December last year against seven university officials, including President Kim, on charges of embezzling school funds. The party alleged that the university had spent funds from its educational budget on expenses unrelated to education, such as legal consulting and litigation fees.

Police referred President Kim to prosecutors without detention earlier this month but did not refer the other six individuals.

The Women's Party has been calling for a more thorough investigation, arguing that "holding only the president accountable amounts to cutting off the tail to save the body."

Regarding the prosecutors' request for reinvestigation, Park Jin-sook, head of the Women's Party emergency committee, said the move "proves that the police investigation was inadequate."

"If Jongam Police Station is trying to cover up misconduct at the Dongduk Women's University foundation, prosecutors must uncover the charges through search and seizure warrants," Park said.

The Women's Party submitted a citizen petition and written opinion to the Seoul Northern District Prosecutors' Office on Saturday.

Dongduk Women's University has maintained that "legal expenses were disbursed after consulting with lawyers on whether the expenditures were legitimate" and that "they are clearly related to university operations."