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Hearing on Kim Hyoung‑suk’s Conduct Moves Toward Possible Dismissal

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  • Kim Hyoung-suk, chief of the Independence Hall of Korea, attends a hearing at the veterans ministry in the central city of Sejong on Feb. 3, 2026, held to listen to his explanation about allegations of financial misconduct and other irregularities. (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Kim Hyoung-suk, chief of the Independence Hall of Korea, attends a hearing at the veterans ministry in the central city of Sejong on Feb. 3, 2026, held to listen to his explanation about allegations of financial misconduct and other irregularities. (Yonhap) Source Full size

Two‑hour hearing examines alleged financial misconduct The veterans ministry convened a two‑hour session on Feb 3 to hear Independence Hall chief Kim Hyoung‑suk’s response to fourteen audit‑identified irregularities, including rent‑free leasing, unauthorized receipt of funds, and solicitation of donations [1]. Kim, accompanied by an attorney, denied wrongdoing and labeled the audit “unfair” and politically motivated [1]. The hearing precedes a ministerial recommendation that could trigger presidential approval for dismissal [1].

Board’s prior dismissal vote sets procedural backdrop In January, the Independence Hall board voted to request Kim’s removal, prompting the ministry’s formal review [1]. The board’s motion reflects sustained pressure from the ruling Democratic Party, which has repeatedly called for Kim’s resignation due to his conservative “New Right” stance [1]. The upcoming dismissal decision hinges on the veterans minister’s request and President Lee Jae Myung’s consent [1].

Audit findings trace back to Kim’s 2024 appointment The special audit, initiated after Kim’s 2024 appointment by former President Yoon Suk‑yeol, cataloged fourteen violations that the ministry deems serious enough for possible termination [1]. Critics argue the audit targets Kim’s political affiliation, while officials maintain it addresses genuine financial mismanagement [1]. Kim’s appeal of the audit results was rejected, leaving the dismissal process underway [1].

Dismissal requires coordinated executive action If the veterans minister submits a dismissal request, President Lee Jae Myung must approve it for the removal to become effective [1]. Until that step occurs, Kim remains in his post, though his future appears uncertain amid mounting political and legal scrutiny [1].

Sources

Timeline

2024 – Former President Yoon Suk‑yeol appoints Kim Hyoung‑suk as chief of the Independence Hall of Korea, positioning him as a conservative “New Right” scholar and sparking future partisan scrutiny[1][2].

Sep 2025 – The Veterans Ministry launches a special audit of Kim’s management of Independence Hall, probing private use of assets, budget execution and other duties; the audit later identifies fourteen irregularities[5].

Aug 15, 2025 – At the 80th Liberation Day ceremony, Kim describes Korea’s liberation as “a gift from the Allied powers,” drawing criticism from ruling Democratic Party lawmakers who label his view historically distorted[3].

Dec 5, 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung dismisses Vice Agriculture Minister Kang Hyoung‑seok for “unfairly exercising authority,” marking the first senior‑official removal since Lee took office in June 2025 and signalling a tougher stance on misconduct[7].

Dec 30, 2025 – Lee accepts the resignation of ACRC chief Ryu Chul‑whan amid fallout from the commission’s June 2024 clearance of Kim Keon Hee, illustrating the administration’s willingness to act on controversial agency decisions[6].

Jan 12, 2026 – The Veterans Ministry confirms the audit’s fourteen irregularities—including rent‑free leasing of assets and solicitation of donations—and rejects Kim’s appeal, paving the way for his dismissal process[5].

Jan 13, 2026 – The 15‑member Independence Hall board schedules a meeting to debate a motion demanding Kim’s removal, with Democratic Party Rep. Kim Yong‑man among six members pushing the discussion forward[4].

Jan 19, 2026 – The board votes 10‑2 to approve a motion calling for Kim’s dismissal; Kim retorts that the audit “was conducted with the clear intention to remove me,” while DP lawmakers brand him a “distorted‑history New Right” scholar and demand his resignation[3][3].

Jan 27, 2026 – The Veterans Ministry announces a mandatory two‑hour hearing for Feb 3, citing law that agency heads must be given a chance to explain misconduct before any dismissal, and notes that the president must later sign off on any removal request[2].

Feb 3, 2026 – A two‑hour hearing convenes; Kim, accompanied by an attorney, calls the audit “unfair” and aimed at his ouster, while officials reiterate that dismissal requires a ministerial request and President Lee’s approval[1][2].

Post‑Feb 3, 2026 (future) – The veterans minister is expected to submit a formal dismissal request to President Lee Jae Myung, whose signature will determine whether Kim Hyoung‑suk is finally removed from his post[1].

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