The Culture Ministry will review projects that were allegedly carried out under the influence of TV commercial film director Cha Eun-taek.
The ministry, mired in controversy following allegations that President Park Geun-hye’s close confidante Choi Soon-sil and Cha were behind several ministry projects, announced Monday it would “thoroughly investigate” any illegalities or private gains that may have arisen over the course of the disputed projects.
The statement followed the ministry’s previous statement Saturday refuting the allegations.
In an abrupt turnabout, the ministry said Monday that projects found to be “problematic” would be immediately terminated and legal and administrative measures would be taken.
The ministry will also be implementing measures to “ensure fairness and transparency” in funding, personnel appointments and project contracts, the statement said.
Former Vice Culture Minister Kim Chong attends a cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Seoul on Sejong-ro on Oct. 25. (Yonhap)
In light of allegations that several top ministry officials were forced to resign en masse in 2014 under pressure from the Blue House, the Culture Ministry said it will put in place measures to “prevent officials from being subjected to unfair disadvantages” in the course of carrying out their work.
Second Vice Culture Minister Kim Chong, meanwhile, offered to resign from his post Sunday evening, amid allegations he had colluded with Choi in making government personnel appointments and in founding the Mir and K-Sports foundations, which are under investigation for possibly funneling funds to Choi.
Kim, whose home was raided by the prosecution on Saturday, has denied any connection to Choi and said he would take “full responsibility” if the allegations were proven true.
On Monday, Korea Creative Content Agency President Song Sung-gak offered to resign. Song is suspected of having been a surreptitious Cha appointee.
By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)
