Seoul National University [Yonhap]
Seoul National University [Yonhap]

A Seoul National University professor has been referred to prosecutors on charges of sexually assaulting a graduate student under his supervision.

The Gwanak Police Station in Seoul said Monday it had forwarded the case of a man in his 50s, identified only by the initial A, to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on June 16 without seeking his detention. He faces charges of committing an indecent act by abuse of occupational authority.

A is accused of demanding physical contact from a graduate student in her 20s, identified as B, and touching her near Sillim Station in Gwanak-gu in March.

Police said they determined the charges were substantiated based on closed-circuit television footage and other evidence gathered at the scene, and referred the case to prosecutors.

B told investigators that she complied with A's demands because she felt unable to refuse her academic supervisor, according to police.

Seoul National University's Human Rights Center recommended in July that A be dismissed or removed from office. Disciplinary proceedings within the university are ongoing.

A has denied the charges.


bbo@heraldcorp.com