Ministry of Education: "Will Review Official Document Contents and Announce Position Later"
[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Gachon University has submitted its position to the Ministry of Education regarding the verification of the master's thesis in connection with plagiarism allegations against Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate.
According to the Ministry of Education on the 3rd, Gachon University submitted an official letter confirming facts related to the verification of Lee's thesis on the afternoon of the 2nd. The Ministry of Education will review the contents of the received letter and announce its position later.
During last month's National Assembly audit, there were calls for the Ministry of Education to take action regarding the plagiarism allegations of Lee's master's thesis at Gachon University and the cancellation of his degree.
When plagiarism allegations arose regarding Lee's master's thesis in 2014, he expressed his intention to return the degree, but Gachon University decided in August 2016 that the thesis and master's degree were valid due to the absence of relevant regulations. The Enforcement Decree of the Higher Education Act stipulates that the decision to cancel a degree is made by the school.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye explained at the audit, "The Gachon University Research Ethics Committee sent an opinion to the Graduate School of Public Administration to cancel the degree because it was returned, but the Graduate School of Public Administration sent it back to the Research Ethics Committee citing the lack of procedures. Regarding this, we requested Gachon University to provide its position on the 12th of last month."
At that time, Minister Yoo stated, "Once the response from Gachon University arrives, we will organize the Ministry of Education's position, including future plans, and inform you."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
