Kookmin University "Verification of Kim Geon-hee's Thesis by February Next Year"... Gachon University "Not Subject to Review"

Kookmin University Submits Plan to Complete Verification by February 15 Next Year
Gachon University Responds to Ministry of Education, Maintaining It Is Not Subject to Review
Ministry of Education Requests Thesis Verification Plans from Both Kookmin and Gachon Universities
Verification and Degree Conferment Process Plans Must Be Submitted by the 18th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Kookmin University has decided to complete the re-verification of the thesis of Kim Geon-hee, wife of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, by February next year, as requested by the Ministry of Education.

On the 4th, the Ministry of Education explained, "Kookmin University submitted a re-verification plan for the thesis on the 3rd and announced that it will form a re-investigation committee and complete the verification by February 15 next year."

The theses to be verified by Kookmin University include a total of four papers (one degree thesis and three academic papers).

Kookmin University had refused to verify the thesis citing the expiration of the verification period after plagiarism allegations regarding Kim's doctoral thesis arose in July, but reversed its position following the Ministry of Education's request and strong criticism.

The Ministry of Education stated, "We will monitor whether the procedures such as thesis verification disclosed by Kookmin University are appropriately carried out according to the schedule."

The Ministry of Education also plans to conduct a special audit on Kookmin University this month regarding the purchase of Deutsche Motors shares, the degree conferral process at the Techno Design Graduate School, and faculty personnel management. Separately, Kookmin University is conducting its own investigation into the doctoral thesis review process of Kim.

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a speech at the Central Election Countermeasures Committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the 3rd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Following Kookmin University, Gachon University was also requested by the Ministry of Education to submit a plan related to thesis verification. On the 2nd, Gachon University conveyed to the Ministry of Education its position that it maintains the 2016 ruling that former Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung's master's thesis is not subject to review.

In response, the Ministry of Education demanded that Gachon University submit a plan for verification of Lee Jae-myung's thesis and degree conferral process measures by the 18th of this month.

This is because Gachon University's stance does not align with the Ministry of Education's position to establish research ethics and also does not comply with the verification period criteria abolished in 2011.

Previously, when plagiarism allegations arose regarding Lee's master's thesis in 2014, he expressed his intention to return the degree, but Gachon University decided in August 2016 that the thesis and master's degree were valid, citing the absence of relevant regulations.

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