According to data collected by National Assembly Education Committee member Jung Eul-ho from SNU, the professor in the Department of Natural Sciences is suspected of embezzling 32.38 million won in student research funds over the past five years. The money was part of three research projects funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF).

Between January 2022 and December 2023, the professor allegedly asked students to withdraw research fees in cash and return them to an administrative staff member, or transfer part of their salary to another student.

In addition, the professor is also suspected of instructing students not to go to the laboratory during field inspections conducted by the National Research Foundation. This is considered an act of obstructing the investigation process.

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Seoul National University (Korea). Photo: SNU Fanpage

According to Korea Joongang Daily , the Foundation's audit results also showed suspicions that the professor misused 2.06 million won in conference travel expenses and paid consulting fees to an individual not affiliated with the project.

“The embezzlement of student research funds is a clear violation of the law, and the attempt to obstruct the investigation shows a serious lack of ethical standards. Seoul National University should conduct an internal investigation according to regulations and take appropriate disciplinary measures after the police investigation is completed,” said Rep. Jung Eul-ho.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/educational-professor-under-investigation-for-high-buoc-bien-thu-quy-nghien-cuu-cua-sinh-vien-2457189.html