Kyonggi University professor sentenced for sabotaging rival's appointment

A professor at Kyonggi University has been sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, by the Suwon District Court for defamation and obstruction of business. The court found that the individual, a man in his 50s, sent anonymous, false letters to university board members to sabotage a competitor's appointment.

In 2021, the defendant sent reports alleging that a rival candidate had bribed a former university president with 250 million won to secure a position. These false claims led the board to reject the candidate's appointment. Following an investigation that cleared the victim, the defendant was identified as the author of the letters and was subsequently hired as a professor at the same institution in 2023.

Judge Ji Seon-gyeong noted that the anonymous letters were malicious and had a significant impact on the recruitment process. While the defendant claimed he believed the allegations were true, the court ruled that he acted with willful negligence. Kyonggi University has stated it will review disciplinary actions against the professor in accordance with school regulations.