Veterans ministry holds hearing for Independence Hall chief ahead of dismissal

▲ Kim Hyoung-suk, chief of the Independence Hall of Korea, attends a hearing at the veterans ministry in the central city of Sejong on Feb. 3, 2026, held to listen to his explanation about allegations of financial misconduct and other irregularities. (Yonhap)

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Veterans ministry holds hearing for Independence Hall chief ahead of dismissal

SEOUL, Feb. 3 (Yonhap) -- The veterans ministry on Tuesday held a hearing for the chief of the Independence Hall of Korea to listen to his explanation about allegations of financial misconduct and other irregularities ahead of his dismissal.

The two-hour hearing came as Kim Hyoung-suk, chief of the history museum, faces allegations of using the state-run organization for private purposes and engaging in irregularities. The museum's board approved a motion requesting Kim's dismissal last month.

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.

At Tuesday's hearing, Kim, who was accompanied by an attorney, reportedly claimed that the audit was conducted in an "unfair" manner with the purpose of his dismissal.

Kim will be removed from office should the veterans minister request his dismissal and it is approved by President Lee Jae Myung.

Kim, who was appointed as 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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