Kookmin University has ultimately decided to nullify the doctoral degree of Kim Geon-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Seok-yeol. This decision follows the cancellation of the master's degree she submitted upon her admission to the doctoral program, leading to a loss of eligibility for admission.

In an official press release distributed on the afternoon of the 21st, Kookmin University stated, "Due to the official cancellation of the master's degree submitted by Ms. Kim when she was admitted to the Technological Design Graduate School's doctoral program, she failed to meet the admission requirements set forth in Article 33, Paragraph 4 of the Higher Education Act."

Determination of Degree Nullification through Administrative and Graduate Committee

The school explained that this matter was officially submitted as an agenda item to the Technological Design Graduate School's Operation Committee, and it was ultimately nullified after deliberation and resolution by the Graduate Committee regarding the validity of admission and degree conferment.

Kookmin University clarified that "this action is based on the legal principle of 'automatic nullification' due to the loss of admission eligibility following the cancellation of the master's degree," and stated, "Both the admission and the conferment of the degree are considered to not have met the required conditions for establishment."

The university concluded by stating, "We have completed the administrative procedures related to this matter, and we will continue to do our best to uphold the trust and ethics of the academic community in accordance with laws and regulations."

Cancellation of Doctoral Degree Following Master’s Degree Cancellation

Ms. Kim is reported to have submitted a master's degree from Sookmyung Women's University for her admission to the doctoral program at Kookmin University. However, on the 23rd of last month, Sookmyung Women's University confirmed the cancellation of her master's degree due to reasons including plagiarism in her thesis titled "A Study on the Artistic Characteristics of Paul Klee."

Given that the cancellation of her master's degree has led to a complete loss of eligibility for admission to the doctoral program, Kookmin University's decision is interpreted as a subsequent administrative action. Consequently, Ms. Kim has lost both her master's and doctoral degrees.

This decision is based on regulations of the Higher Education Act and is expected to be recorded as a representative case where deficiencies in the formal requirements for a degree led to its nullification. Following Kookmin University's stance, various discussions in the education sector and political circles are anticipated to continue.

Image sources: Kim Geon-hee / News1, Former President Yoon Seok-yeol and spouse / News1