'External activities without prior approval'… Inspection initiated at the National Defense University

A current professor at the National Defense University is under internal investigation for attending events related to Lee Jae-myung, the former leader of the Democratic Party, without prior approval and even publishing a book about him. It has been reported that during the investigation, the professor made statements suggesting that he would not stay silent if the regime changed.

According to a report by the Chosun Ilbo on the 15th, the inspection office at the National Defense University has initiated an investigation into Professor A, who has held multiple positions, on suspicions of violating the Child Welfare Act, focusing on his overall external activities and behavior.

Despite the National Defense University's decision on the 10th not to permit attendance, Professor A took the stage as a speaker at a foreign affairs and security forum hosted by Democratic Party lawmakers and organized by Lee's presidential campaign team.

Previously, Professor A had also attended Democratic Party events and policy discussions without the university's approval, and recently co-authored a book related to Lee Jae-myung. He had a history of publishing two similar books during the 2022 presidential election.

Controversy over 'verbal abuse' during the inspection… Criticism within the National Defense University

The National Defense University has reported that Professor A has repeatedly conducted external activities without prior approval and violated service regulations, prompting the ongoing inspection. During this process, it is said that Professor A verbally abused staff, stating that "I will not stay silent if the regime changes" and "I will bring those involved to justice."

A representative from the National Defense University criticized that "the political neutrality of public officials is a fundamental principle," stating it is inappropriate behavior for a professor in an institution that educates hundreds of officers and civil servants. Within the National Defense University, there have even been calls for external investigations such as audits by the Board of Audit and Inspection.

Professor A told the media, "I was merely engaging in legitimate external activities," and claimed that he had received threats from superiors trying to prevent him from attending Democratic Party events.

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