South Korea’s First Lady Accused of Plagiarism in Master’s Thesis: University Awaits Response
A university in South Korea is currently investigating allegations of plagiarism and academic misconduct against South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee. The controversy has added to the challenges faced by impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol as he fights to remain in office.
The inquiry dates back to 2022 when Sookmyung Women’s University initiated a review based on accusations that Kim had falsified the dissertation she submitted for her master’s degree in education in 1999. The university shared its findings with Kim in December of last year.
Now, Kim has until the end of this month to challenge the outcome of the investigation. If she decides to appeal, the University will consider her request before making a final decision.
This is not the first time Kim has been embroiled in allegations of misconduct. In addition to the current plagiarism probe, she has faced accusations of stock market manipulation, interference in election nominations, and other controversies surrounding her academic credentials.
In a separate investigation conducted back in 2022, South Korea’s Kookmin University cleared Kim of plagiarism in relation to her doctoral dissertation, which she earned in design from the school in 2008.
The recent developments come amidst political turmoil in South Korea, as the parliament rejected a revote on two bills seeking special investigations into Yoon’s failed martial law attempt and allegations involving Kim. Despite being impeached, Yoon remains barricaded in his presidential residence as law enforcement officials seek to detain him.
While rumors have circulated about Yoon’s whereabouts, with some claiming he has left his residence, the presidential office maintains that he is still there. The South Korean police are monitoring the situation closely as they plan their next steps.
These updates shed light on the ongoing issues swirling around the South Korean presidency and the scrutiny faced by its highest officials. Stay tuned for further developments as the situation continues to unfold.
