"Cancellation of Degree Possible if Misconduct is Proven"… Retroactive Application Formalized

Sookmyung Women's University is effectively concluding its amendment process to regulations, paving the way for the potential cancellation of First Lady Kim Geon-hee's master's degree.

The university plans to finalize a revision to its degree cancellation criteria at the University Council on the 16th.

Previously, on the 9th, the university held a Faculty Council meeting and voted to introduce a new provision to Article 25-2 (Cancellation of Degree Awarding) of its regulations. The amendment includes the clause stating that "the cancellation of degrees awarded prior to the introduction of this provision shall only be considered for cases of serious and clear misconduct that significantly undermines ethics."

In other words, the amendment aims to resolve the controversial retroactive application issue that has been a topic of debate since its establishment on June 13, 2015, allowing for the potential cancellation of past degrees under certain conditions.

First Lady Kim Geon-hee's Thesis Already Determined as 'Plagiarized'

If this amendment is passed, the university is expected to initiate follow-up actions regarding Kim's thesis through internal procedures. Sookmyung Women's University plans to convene the Research Integrity Committee as soon as the amendment passes the University Council to deliberate on whether the new provision can be applied to Kim's thesis.

In 1999, Kim submitted a master's thesis titled "A Study on the Characteristics of Paul Klee's Paintings" to Sookmyung Women's University Graduate School of Education.

That thesis was determined to be 'plagiarized' in a university investigation conducted in February this year. Both Kim's side and the informant from the Sookmyung Women's University Democratic Alumni Association did not file any appeals regarding the investigation results.

High Likelihood of Passage on the 16th… Sookmyung to Initiate Thesis Cancellation Procedures

Academics and observers believe that if this new provision passes, Sookmyung Women's University will likely begin the process of cancelling Kim's thesis.

The amendment has only the University Council left to pass after the Faculty Council. The likelihood of approval by the University Council, which typically functions like a board of directors, is considered high.

There is a prevailing sentiment on campus that "past illegal activities or misconduct should not be overlooked." A representative from Sookmyung Women's University stated, "Ethical standards and academic integrity are values that must be upheld regardless of the passage of time."

As the situation surrounding the potential cancellation of her degree intensifies, Kim's side has not released a separate statement regarding the recent amendment or future discussions.

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