The Ministry of Foreign Affairs canceled the final acceptance of a National Diplomatic Academy staff researcher position for the daughter of former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, a person surnamed Shim. The decision comes about a year after allegations of preferential hiring were raised.
On the 17th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "In accordance with relevant laws and procedures, after review by the hiring inspection committee, we canceled the final acceptance of the applicant who did not meet the eligibility requirements."
The decision to cancel Shim's acceptance was notified by email on May 29. At the time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it attempted to make phone contact twice but could not reach her, so it notified by email.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said it requested disciplinary deliberation by the central disciplinary committee for those involved in the hiring. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "The disciplinary deliberation process is currently underway," adding, "Because the final disposition has not been confirmed, it is difficult to discuss the grounds for discipline, the level of discipline, or the outcome."
These individuals were said to be staff members in charge of hiring at the time.
Shim applied in February last year for a staff researcher position at the National Diplomatic Academy and passed the document screening, written test, and interview. However, controversy over favoritism erupted as allegations were raised that Shim's experience had been excessively recognized and that documents submitted after the application deadline were accepted, leading to what was dubbed an "dad's chance" suspicion.
As the controversy grew, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in April last year that it would withhold the appointment decision for Shim's hiring.