Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cancels Acceptance of Former Prosecutor General Shim Woojung's Daughter, Seeks Disciplinary Action Against Those Involved

Determined Ineligible for Application
Notification Sent by Email in May
Conclusion Reached About a Year After Hiring Controversy Began

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revoked the final acceptance of Ms. Shim, the daughter of former Prosecutor General Shim Woojung, for the permanent researcher position at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. This decision comes about a year after allegations of preferential hiring were raised. The ministry has also requested disciplinary action against those involved by referring the case to the Central Disciplinary Committee.

Shim Woo-jung, former Prosecutor General. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang

On July 17, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced, "Following the relevant laws and procedures, and after the Recruitment Review Committee's deliberation, we have cancelled the final acceptance of the candidate who did not meet the eligibility requirements."

The ministry notified Ms. Shim of the cancellation decision via email on May 29, 2026. According to the ministry, two attempts were made to contact her by phone at that time, but as they were unsuccessful, the notification was sent by email.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated, "We have requested the Central Disciplinary Committee to deliberate on disciplinary measures against the individuals involved." The ministry explained, "The disciplinary deliberation process is currently underway, and as the final decision has not yet been confirmed, we cannot disclose the reasons for discipline, the level of disciplinary action, or the outcome."

The individuals in question were reportedly the employees responsible for the recruitment process at the time.

Ms. Shim applied for and was ultimately accepted for the permanent researcher position at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy in February 2025. However, allegations emerged that her experience was over-credited during the document screening process and that documents submitted after the application deadline were accepted, suggesting preferential treatment.

As the controversy grew, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in April 2025 that it would withhold Ms. Shim's appointment. Following an internal investigation, the ministry proceeded with canceling her final acceptance and requested disciplinary measures against those responsible.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.