In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about the treatment of students in higher education, a professor from Hanyang University’s Department of Applied Music has been dismissed following allegations of inappropriate behavior during a drinking session with students and a prominent businessman.
On April 15, 2025, MBC reported that Professor Park of Hanyang University hosted a gathering in Gangnam, Seoul, in April 2022, where he allegedly coerced students into drinking and demanded they sing and dance. The event included Hyundai Steel Chairman Jeong Mong-seok, marking a troubling intersection of authority and inappropriate conduct.
According to reports, the gathering took place on April 21, 2022, at around 6 PM, with nine second-year students from the applied music department attending. Professor Park invited a male high school student, referred to as a 'scholarship student,' to join the group. The drinking session reportedly lasted over five hours, moving from a restaurant to a karaoke bar.
During the event, Professor Park allegedly pressured students to sit next to Chairman Jeong and drink excessively. Eyewitness accounts describe a disturbing atmosphere where students were compelled to perform in front of the chairman. One student recounted, “Some girls danced lewdly, and some boys and girls had a dance battle.” Chairman Jeong purportedly expressed his enjoyment of the performances, stating, “If only I had you guys, I could play together forever. I don’t need other people.”
Students also reported receiving money from Chairman Jeong as a reward for their performances, with envelopes containing 50,000 won bills, totaling between 400,000 and 500,000 won. This monetary exchange, framed as a reward for their entertainment, has raised further ethical questions about the dynamics of power and influence at play.
Allegations of inappropriate physical contact during the gathering have emerged, with one student claiming, “There were uncomfortable touches, with questions about our names, parents’ occupations, and offers to help if we had difficulties.” Some students reportedly felt so uncomfortable that they cried in a taxi on the way home after the event.
In light of these allegations, students reported Professor Park to the university’s human rights center in May 2024, leading to an investigation that scrutinized not only the drinking session but also Professor Park’s broader conduct. The investigation revealed a pattern of behavior that included making demeaning remarks to students, such as, “If you gain weight like that, you become useless,” and sexually suggestive comments like, “You should seduce someone with a good body.”
Moreover, Professor Park allegedly forced students to join a specific dance group he was affiliated with and coerced them into taking private lessons from a close instructor. He was also accused of pocketing congratulatory money received from business associates who attended student performances.
In an additional troubling incident, Professor Park misused funds by having students purchase regional gift certificates worth 200,000 won each, which allowed for a 10% discount, effectively exploiting them for personal gain.
As the investigation unfolded, Hanyang University took decisive action. After consulting with external legal advisors, the university concluded that Professor Park’s actions constituted sexual harassment, human rights violations, and abuse of power. Consequently, on April 11, 2025, the university announced his dismissal.
In defense of his actions, Professor Park has denied all allegations, claiming that the students were free to drink and that his behavior was mischaracterized. He stated, “All allegations of unfair instructions to students are false.” However, the testimonies from students and the subsequent investigation paint a starkly different picture.
Chairman Jeong, for his part, has also faced scrutiny. His representatives claimed that he was invited to the gathering by Professor Park and that the karaoke bar visit was at the students' request. They emphasized that the money given was intended for transportation expenses and denied any inappropriate conduct occurred during the gathering.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the power dynamics present in academic environments, particularly regarding the treatment of students by faculty and influential figures. Many are calling for stricter regulations and oversight to ensure such behavior is not tolerated in educational institutions.
As the fallout from this incident continues, it raises critical questions about accountability and the need for a safer environment for students. The university's decision to dismiss Professor Park reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing and preventing harassment and abuse in academia.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and advocacy for the rights of students, ensuring that educational spaces remain places of learning and respect, free from coercion and inappropriate behavior.
