Preliminary Candidate Moon Geum-ju Says 'Degree Controversy' Is Not False but a Simple Mistake... "Allegations Are Unfair"

A 'Happening' Caused by Different Interpretations of the Word 'PLANNING' in the US and Korea

Preliminary Candidate Kim Seung-nam Aware of the Fact but Exaggerates and Amplifies It as 'Negative'

Moon Geum-ju, the Democratic Party of Korea's preliminary candidate for the Jeonnam Goheung·Boseong·Jangheung·Gangjin electoral district, held a press conference at the Jeonnam Provincial Council press room on the afternoon of the 23rd to actively clarify the recent allegations of false academic credentials.

Moon Geum-ju stated, "I am standing here to clearly resolve misunderstandings regarding the recent allegations of false academic credentials," and added, "I ask that from now on, you refrain from further expanding interpretations or raising suspicions about my academic background."

Moon Geum-ju, a preliminary candidate for the Democratic Party of Korea in the Jeonnam Goheung·Boseong·Jangheung·Gangjin electoral district, is holding a press conference at the Jeonnam Provincial Council press room on the afternoon of the 23rd.
[Photo by Seo Young-seo]

He explained, "The 'Master of International Planning Studies (MIPS)' degree obtained from Michigan State University was initially translated using a simple translation I was familiar with before the official translation was registered as a preliminary candidate," and continued, "After receiving the official translation, the process of listing it as 'International Planning MIPS' seems to have caused misunderstandings."

He further emphasized, "This is not falsehood but a misunderstanding arising from the different interpretations of the word PLANNING in the United States and Korea," and added, "The degree is an official one, and during the interpretation process, it can be referred to as either Master of International Planning or Master of International Urban Planning."

He also said, "It was merely an incident caused by a misunderstanding in the simple translation process," and stated, "Raising doubts about my academic background or integrity is unfair."

He pointed out, "Preliminary candidate Kim Seung-nam is aware of this fact but is exaggerating and overinterpreting it to engage in negative campaigning," and added, "This is a clear political attack and appears to be an intentional attempt to undermine my credibility."

Moon Geum-ju concluded, "I will always stand transparently and honestly before the residents," and said, "I will repay this opportunity by working even harder."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.