[2021 National Audit] "Ministry of Education's Delayed Response to Lee Jae-myung Gachon University Thesis Measures"

Ministry of Education Demands Gachon University Submit Documents by December 2
Governor Lee Expressed Intent to Return Degree from 2014, Degree Still Valid
Assemblywoman Jeong Kyung-hee: "Ministry of Education Showing Favoritism to Lee Jae-myung"
Yoo Eun-hye: "Same Procedures Required for Kookmin University and Hongik University"

Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs Yoo Eun-hye attended the National Assembly Education Committee's audit of the Ministry of Education held at the National Assembly on the 1st, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Yoo Eun-hye, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, strongly refuted criticisms that the Ministry of Education is responding sluggishly to the plagiarism allegations concerning Gyeonggi Province Governor and Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung's master's thesis at Gachon University.

At the comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Education and its affiliated organizations held by the National Assembly's Education Committee on the 21st, Jeong Gyeong-hee, a member of the People Power Party, pointed out, "The Ministry of Education held a national audit on the 1st, sent an official document on the 12th, and requested submission of related materials by December 2nd, which appears to be an attempt by the Ministry to protect Lee Jae-myung and nullify the audit."

In response, Minister Yoo explained, "It was not a delayed official document. There were weekends and holidays in between."

She added, "We also sent official documents to Kookmin University and allowed about 2 to 3 weeks to receive their replies. The same standards are being applied to Gachon University and Hongik University as well."

When allegations of plagiarism in Lee's 2014 master's thesis arose, he expressed his intention to return the degree. However, Gachon University decided in August 2016 that the thesis and master's degree remained valid, citing the absence of relevant regulations. According to the Enforcement Decree of the Higher Education Act, the decision to revoke a degree lies with the university.

Regarding this, Minister Yoo explained, "At that time, Gachon University's Research Ethics Committee sent a recommendation to the Graduate School of Public Administration to revoke the degree because it had been returned, but the Graduate School sent it back to the Research Ethics Committee, citing the lack of procedures. We have requested Gachon University to clarify their position on this."

Assembly member Kwon stated, "An investigation using the service 'Copy Killer' showed a plagiarism rate of 27% in Lee's thesis. Copy Killer considers over 20% as serious plagiarism. If Gachon University responds that the thesis is valid, the Ministry of Education should demand substantive measures."

Minister Yoo replied, "We will require the same procedures, and once Gachon University's response arrives, we will organize the Ministry's position, including future plans, and inform you accordingly."