The Education Ministry said Tuesday that it has decided to dismiss a high-ranking official over his controversial remarks that described the public as “nothing but dogs and pigs,” in an apparent attempt to ease public outrage.

“The Education Ministry decided to expel the ex-head of policy planning for making inappropriate remarks as a public servant and hurting the public,” Vice Education Minister Lee Young said during a press briefing at the Seoul Government Complex on Tuesday afternoon. 
The move came amid growing public outrage after a local daily reported that Na Hyang-wook, the director general of the ministry’s police planning bureau, had described the general public as “nothing but dogs and pigs” at a recent dinner gathering in Seoul with reporters.

He reportedly said that the government should just make sure the public are fed and alive and there should be a stricter class system in Korea.

“We reached a conclusion that the strongest level of disciplinary action is needed for him who committed wrongdoing and seriously violated a public servant’s legal duty to maintain dignity,” Lee said. “The ministry apologizes once again for disappointing the public with an officer’s disgraceful action.”

The Education Ministry will wrap up an internal probe into the case and request the disciplinary committee to expel him. In the meantime, Na will be removed from his post.

The final decision will be made by the disciplinary committee under the Ministry of Personnel Management within 60 days. Public servants dismissed for misconduct are not allowed to apply for government jobs for the next five years and are only entitled to half of the severance pay. 

On Monday during a parliamentary meeting, Na made a tearful apology for “making inappropriate remarks as a public servant, distressing the Korean people and causing a stir.”

“I have realized how wrong I was. It happened all because of my carelessness. I am really sorry,” he said. “It took place under the influence of alcohol and I did not intend to say such things.”

Na was initially absent from the parliamentary meeting held in the morning citing “frail health,” which prompted angry responses and calls for his attendance among lawmakers. The meeting resumed upon his arrival in the afternoon.

The Education Minister Lee Joon-sik also apologized and vowed strong punishment over his remarks.

Na, who passed his civil service examination in 1993, previously served as the secretary for the minister and an administrative officer at Cheong Wa Dae under former President Lee Myung-bak. He was promoted to the head of policy planning at the Education Ministry in March.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)