Suspended Juilliard professor states his defence

The pianist Choong Mo Kang, suspended ten days ago and reported to the New York police for alleged sexual misconduct, has given an interview to Korean media about the charges. He says:

‘Julliard is a school that teaches dance and music, so there are stringent rules on physical contact. The rule says that ahead of any physical contact, I need to ask the student’s permission, and I didn’t know this.’

Kang went on to say that he touched the student’s fingers and hands while instructing on the piano.

‘The student, who I have taught for two years, stated humiliation as the reason for the report. I’ve taught for 20 years this way, and never has this kind of contact surfaced as an issue.’

He added: ‘I have not resigned from Julliard. I have been suspended as per the rules, and the investigation is ongoing.’