A male professor at Seoul’s Chung-ang University is under investigation by the university human rights center for alleged violence and sexually demeaning comments against a male student, local media reported Thursday.

The professor allegedly hit a 38-year-old graduate student, surnamed Goh, multiple times for reasons such as being late for class and not answering his questions quickly enough.

Goh claimed that the professor “tenaciously” asked about his intimate relationship with his girlfriend and insulted him sexually when he did not provide answers. He also reportedly claimed that his professor has repeatedly made contemptuous remarks about his religion.

The professor reportedly denied all accusations.

An official at the human rights center declined to comment on the issue and said the investigation process is confidential, although he did not deny the reports.

By Yoon Min-sik (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)