野 "Thesis Plagiarism at the Level of Complete Editing" vs 丁 "More Lenient Standards for Theses in the Past"

Prime Minister nominee Jeong Sye-gyun is attending the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on the 7th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 7th, Prime Minister nominee Jeong Se-gyun engaged in a heated exchange with Kim Hyun-ah, a member of the Liberty Korea Party, over allegations of plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation.

During the confirmation hearing that day, Rep. Kim pointed out, "There are citations and plagiarism in Jeong's dissertation at the level of patch editing," adding, "Even if it is a textbook, other researchers have authors. If citations or source notations are not made, it is plagiarism."

Rep. Kim continued, "I understand that it was difficult to focus on the dissertation due to legislative activities. Then, wouldn't it be normal to say 'I made an unavoidable mistake' or 'It was not intentional'?" and sarcastically remarked, "Jeong is completely changing the standards of plagiarism in Korean dissertations."

She went on, "In 2004, when Jeong received his degree, in the first half of the year, he was in charge of 2 standing committees and 3 special committees, and in the second half, he was in charge of 2 standing committees, 5 special committees, and 5 party positions," questioning, "Is that physically possible?"

In response, nominee Jeong retorted, "The point of your question is unclear; are you claiming that I did not write the dissertation?" He added, "I passed middle school through the qualification exam and completed an MBA in the U.S. while working. Although legislative activities were busy, I was able to maintain at least minimal academic work. I made painstaking efforts."

Jeong further stated, "Compared to scholars' dissertations, mine falls far short. Before 2007, the standards for researchers' dissertations were more lenient, so there was that aspect," and said, "If judged by the stricter standards implemented after 2007, there may be shortcomings. I have expressed my regrets about that."

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