Musical actor Nam Kyung-joo, who is accused of sexual assault, has been suspended from his position at Hongik University where he was employed.
On the 12th, Hongik University's public relations office told OSEN regarding Nam Kyung-joo that "he has been relieved of his associate professor position."
Previously, Nam Kyung-joo had been serving as an associate professor in the Department of Performing Arts at Hongik University and had taught classes through last year. This year he was on leave and did not teach classes, but Hongik University took personnel action against Nam Kyung-joo when he became the subject of sexual assault allegations.
Regarding the specific timing of the suspension, Hongik University emphasized, "We cannot confirm the exact date (of the suspension), but the suspension has already been completed," and explained, "However, we understand the disciplinary committee was convened immediately after the incident." On other follow-up measures such as dismissal, they cautiously replied, "We cannot say at this time."
Nam Kyung-joo recently became the center of controversy after it was belatedly revealed that he had been sent to prosecutors on sexual assault charges. According to the police, the Bangbae Police Station in Seoul sent Nam Kyung-joo to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on charges of rape by force without detention last month.
Because of this case, some have raised questions about Nam Kyung-joo's usual teaching methods, saying that controversy arose over the degree of his words and actions during explanations of artistic theory. However, Hongik University was reserved when asked whether there had been student complaints or issues related to that controversy, saying, "It is difficult to confirm."
Meanwhile, Nam Kyung-joo is accused of sexually assaulting an acquaintance, a woman identified as Ms. A, in Seoul last year. Ms. A left the scene at the time and reported it to the police, and during the police investigation Nam Kyung-joo is said to have strongly denied the charges.
However, the police forwarded the case to the prosecutors based on the victim's statement and related physical evidence. Nam Kyung-joo acknowledged to Dispatch that "it is true that a reinvestigation is under way," while remaining silent about the specific details of the charges.
Currently Nam Kyung-joo's personal social media accounts are closed, and there is no official position related to the case. It has been confirmed that he has already parted ways with his agency.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]