S Korean education minister resigns

SEOUL, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The South Korean president on Tuesday accepted the resignation of Education Minister Kim Shin-il, the Presidential Office said.

"Minister Kim delivered his intention to resign to President Roh Moo-hyun through presidential chief of staff Moon Jae-in on Monday and the president decided to accept his resignation on Tuesday," presidential spokesperson Cheon Ho-seon said in his daily media briefing.

"Kim failed to comply with the president's intentions in enforcing the law school policy," Cheon said.

Kim resigned amid pretests from local universities as the government selected 25 universities out of 41 applicants that will be allowed to accept 2,000 law school students for the March 2009 semester.

The list of successful candidates included 15 schools in Seoul and 10 others from provincial cities. Those universities failing to be selected are strong opposing the decision.

Cheon said Kim offered to quit after confirming his ministry's decision not to increase the number of law school licensees during his meeting with presidential aides on Monday.

Roh's administration is to end its tenure on Feb. 25.