Former Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk withdrew the administrative lawsuit he filed requesting the cancellation of the professor's dismissal ordered by Seoul National University. Seoul National University cited as grounds for dismissal the fact that Cho's daughter, Jo Min, received a scholarship of 6 million won from Pusan National University during Cho's tenure as senior secretary for civil affairs under the administration of President Moon Jae-in. However, regarding this matter, Cho was found guilty by the Supreme Court last year.
Cho's attorney noted in a statement sent to the media on the 16th that "the lawsuit for the cancellation of the professor's dismissal from Seoul National University (against Cho) pending in the Seoul Administrative Court was withdrawn this morning," adding that "the lawsuit was withdrawn to clearly indicate that he does not care about the position he will not return to in any case." He stated that "Cho believes it is unjust to dismiss him from the professor's position at Seoul National University on the grounds of the violation of the Act on the Prohibition of Solicitation pertaining to the 6 million won scholarship for his daughter."
Seoul National University suspended Cho from his position in January 2020 after he was charged without detention for alleged irregularities in admission related to his children. After Cho was sentenced to prison in the first trial, the university decided to dismiss him in June 2023.
In response, Cho appealed the disciplinary decision and requested a review from the Ministry of Education. Ultimately, the Ministry reduced the level of the discipline last March and reached a final decision of dismissal. In April of last year, Cho filed an administrative lawsuit requesting the cancellation of the dismissal.
Meanwhile, in December of last year, Cho was sentenced to 2 years in prison and ordered to pay 6 million won in fines by the Supreme Court. Charges of admission fraud regarding his children, his daughter's receipt of a scholarship from the medical school, and abuse of authority were all recognized as guilty. There have been calls for Cho to be pardoned since the election of President Lee Jae-myung.