‘부당 지출 의혹’ 박지향 동북아역사재단 이사장 업무 복귀…법원 “직무 유지”

A recent court decision has halted the disciplinary action against 박지향, the former president of the 동북아역사재단, who was previously suspended from her duties due to alleged improper expenditure. The incident began when the government accused the organization of spending over 4.6 million dollars on research trips to Dokdo and Ulleungdo, as well as attending a forum, despite these expenses not being listed in their budget.

Following an investigation, the government suspended 박 from her role, arguing that her actions were a form of financial misappropriation. However, in a recent ruling, 서울행정법원 has decided to suspend disciplinary measures for 박, citing insufficient grounds to support the suspension. The court acknowledged the potential for significant harm to 박 if the disciplinary action were carried out and found no evidence that it would significantly impact public benefit.

Following the court's decision, 박 is set to return to her duties with the 동북아역사재단 as of 25th. President 이재명 previously mentioned 박's controversial spending in a meeting with the education sector, but 박 responded by acknowledging the value of expert opinions in academic matters.