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| ▲ Kim Hyoung-suk, chief of the Independence Hall of Korea, attends a policy briefing of the veterans ministry at the government complex in the administrative city of Sejong, in this file photo from Jan. 14, 2026. (Yonhap) |
museum director-dismissal
Veterans ministry to hold hearing for Independence Hall chief ahead of dismissal
SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Yonhap) -- The veterans ministry plans to hold a hearing for the chief of the Independence Hall of Korea next month to listen to his explanation about allegations of financial misconduct and other irregularities ahead of his dismissal, officials said Tuesday.
The hearing for Kim Hyoung-suk is set for Feb. 3 as he faces allegations of using the historic museum for private purposes and engaging in irregularities, according to the ministry.
Relevant law requires holding a hearing to give the heads of agencies affiliated with the veterans ministry a chance to explain their stance if the ministry intends to dismiss them.
The move comes after the board of the Independence Hall of Korea approved a motion requesting Kim's dismissal last week.
Kim will be removed from office after President Lee Jae Myung approves the veterans minister's request for his dismissal.
Earlier, a special audit by the veterans ministry listed 14 irregularities committed by Kim, including being involved in rent-free leasing of basic assets, receiving money and soliciting donations. He filed an appeal against the audit results, but it was rejected.
Kim, who was appointed head of the history museum under former President Yoon Suk Yeol in 2024, has faced repeated calls to step down from his post by the ruling Democratic Party over his conservative, "New Right" views.
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