Medical Student May Face Expulsion From Chosun University In Gwangju For Alleged Physical Abuse
The Chosun University School of Medicine in Gwangju may expel one of its medical students for allegedly beating up his girlfriend at her home on March 28.
According to Korea Times on Dec. 2, 34-year-old Park came to his girlfriend's residence at 3 a.m. and allegedly slapped her face and pulled her hair for answering the phone "insincerely." Reports also stated that Park detained his girlfriend in her room for two to three hours where he kicked and choked her, resulting to fractured ribs.
Following the incident, the Gwangju District Court sentenced Park last month to a 12 million won fine, which the public believe is very lenient given the circumstances.
Korea Herald reported on Dec. 2 that prosecutors initially considered sentencing Park for two years in prison, but decided to give him a fine instead since he "deeply regrets his wrongdoings" and that "if he gets sentenced to any penalty heavier than probation, the medical student may face expulsion from his school."
Meanwhile, the Chosun University also received criticisms for how lightly they handled the case, which led the institution to announce on Dec. 2 that it would expel Park for the abusive incident towards his girlfriend, who is also his classmate.
"We are deeply sorry for all the trouble we've caused," the school stated on its Facebook page.
"We want to ask the court," said South Korean women's rights group, Korea Women's Hot Line. "What is more important? Social justice or the perpetrator's future as a medical doctor? A victim's life or the perpetrator's career opportunities?"
Park's girlfriend suffered from depression and anxiety disorder following the attack and requested the school to make arrangements on her class schedules so she and Park would not be in the same room. The school allegedly denied her request.
Since Park was not put in jail by the Gwangju District Court nor expelled by Chosun University following the incident, the victim was forced to leave the school to avoid coming in contact with her attacker again.
"Why should someone like him be allowed to become a doctor?" posted the victim online. "I'm the victim and I'm still the one who has to be scared and feel unsafe at school."
