Former Interior Minister Chong Jong-sup, who announced his candidacy for the April parliamentary elections, came under fire Wednesday for having resumed his position at Seoul National University Law School. Faced by criticism that this may infringe upon students‘ rights, however, he immediately announced his resignation.
 

Chong, who had taken a leave of absence upon taking his ministerial post in July 2014, was reinstated as a constitutional law professor on Jan. 13, the school’s officials said Wednesday.

Under the current public educational officials act and parliamentary act, professors at national or public universities may run in elections as long as they resign or take leave upon being elected.

“We have sent out an official note to professor Chong, asking him to clarify his stance on candidacy,” said an official.

“We understand that he will finalize his plan, once (the ruling Saenuri Party’s) nomination results are announced.”

Chong was under fire in August last year after giving a toast as a minister during a meeting with ruling Saenuri Party members wishing for the party’s victory. The Interior Ministry is in charge of supervising the fair operation of elections.

Chong resigned as minister in November and officially announced his bid last month.

By Bae Hyun-jung (khnews@heraldcorp.com)