A grandson of former President Kim Young-sam has been admitted to Yonsei University as a “social contributor,” partly thanks to his grandfather’s legacy, it was revealed Tuesday.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said there had been no irregularities involved in the process.

At the National Assembly’s annual audit of state affairs, Rep. Kim Chun-jin of the main opposition Democratic Party noted that the student was admitted to the school in 2009 through a special process. Yonsei, one of the nation’s three major universities, allows such admissions to persons or family members of those who have been honored with internationally acclaimed awards or prestigious medals by the government. The former president is a recipient of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, as are other ex-heads of state.

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho said the procedure was legitimate.

“The Board of Audit and Inspection investigated the admission procedures of the university last year but found no flaws,” he said.

According to Yonsei, admission competition is fierce, including for social contributors such as descendants of independence fighters and activists from the 1980 Gwangju uprising.

“The average competition is 10:1. Even if they pass paper reviews and interviews, they must have very academic records at high schools and also at the state-administered college scholastic ability test. Therefore, those who have been admitted are qualified in every way,” a spokesman of the university told the Chosun Ilbo.

But some internet users responded critically.

“Using one’s grandfather’s career, which has nothing to do with the student’s own ability, doesn’t sound fair. These days, to enter good universities, one has to survive cutthroat competition. The news, whether it is related to admission irregularity or not, doesn’t sound welcoming,” one netizen commented on Daum.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)