Yeonjinwi "Determination of Academic Misconduct" … Graduate School Committee's Final Cancellation Decision

Sookmyung Women's University officially canceled the master's degree of Kim Kun-hee, the wife of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

This comes 1,275 days after allegations of plagiarism were first raised. On the 24th, Sookmyung University announced in a press release that "the Graduate School Committee met the previous day and voted to cancel the master's degree."

Kim obtained a master's degree in Art Education from Sookmyung Women’s University in 1999, submitting a thesis titled "Study on the Artistic Characteristics of Paul Klee." However, on February 25, the Sookmyung University Research Ethics Truth Committee (Yeonjinwi) reached a final conclusion that the thesis was plagiarized, and subsequently requested sanctions to the Graduate School.

Yeonjinwi explained, "As a result of inquiries and consultations through external related organizations and reviews by internal departments," they "requested degree cancellation considering the level of plagiarism and the degree of violation of research ethics." The Graduate School Committee accepted this finding according to academic regulations and officially canceled Kim's master's degree.

"Measures to Restore Research Ethics … The University Will Fulfill Its Responsibilities"

Sookmyung University emphasized that "this decision is made to establish research ethics and enhance academic credibility" and that "it will continue to fulfill its responsibilities in order to uphold the legitimacy of academia and the public nature of the university."

The allegations of plagiarism in Kim's thesis originated from the issue raised by the Sookmyung Women’s University Democratic Alumni Association. The alumni association presented multiple instances of plagiarism and called for an investigation, and this decision serves as the university's official response to that demand.

Cancellation of Doctoral Degree Also Possible … Kookmin University "Beginning Review"

With the cancellation of Kim's master's degree from Sookmyung University, her doctoral degree obtained from Kookmin University is also expected to be affected. Kim obtained her Ph.D. in Design from Kookmin University’s Graduate School of Techno-Design in 2008.

On the 16th, Kookmin University stated, "If the master's degree is officially canceled, the doctoral degree will likewise lose its legitimacy," and "the Graduate School Committee will convene to deliberate on whether to maintain the degree." Since doctoral degrees are usually conferred based on consistency with the major and the validity of the master's degree, Kookmin's actions are also expected to be determined based on the principle of academic consistency.

Meanwhile, the issues surrounding Kim's degrees and work history during former President Yoon's tenure have been a constant source of controversy. This official decision by Sookmyung University is being evaluated as a precedent that academic verification procedures can practically function.

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