Former Presidential Archives Director Appointed Under Moon Loses Second Appeal Against Dismissal

A former director of the Presidential Archives, appointed during the previous Moon Jae-in administration, has lost his second appeal against his dismissal. The Seoul High Court ruled against Shim Sung-bo, upholding the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's decision to terminate his employment.

Shim was appointed in September 2021, near the end of the Moon administration, and faced allegations of "parachute appointments" due to his relatively short tenure. Following the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol government, Shim was suspended in January 2023 and officially dismissed in May of the same year. The ministry cited violations of the duty of diligence and the duty to maintain dignity as grounds for his dismissal.

The court found that the reasons for Shim's dismissal, including alleged illegal directives, abuse of power, and inhumane treatment, were valid. The initial ruling in April of the previous year stated that the dismissal was "objectively not unfair" and did not constitute an abuse or deviation of discretionary power. Shim, who was dismissed after serving only one year and four months of his five-year term, had argued the termination was unjust.

Following the second ruling, Shim indicated his intention to appeal to the Supreme Court, stating on social media, "It is truly difficult to clear one's name through the courts. I must now go to the Supreme Court." This legal battle highlights ongoing tensions and scrutiny over appointments made during previous administrations.

“

It is truly difficult to clear one's name through the courts. I must now go to the Supreme Court.