Kookmin University Professors Demand Public Disclosure of Kim Geon-hee's Thesis Investigation Committee Meeting

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] After Kookmin University concluded that the doctoral dissertation of First Lady Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Seok-yeol, does not constitute plagiarism, Kookmin University professors have called for the disclosure of the composition and meeting details of all committees related to the thesis investigation.

The group "Professors Who Consider the Academic Conscience of Kookmin University" issued a statement on the 7th, saying, "We feel deep self-reproach over the process Kookmin University has taken so far and the re-investigation results announced on the 1st of this month, and we are endlessly sorry to Kookmin University students and alumni."

The professors criticized, "This announcement by Kookmin University greatly deviates from the academic views of general professors regarding Kim Geon-hee’s thesis and the general common sense of the public," adding, "It has tarnished the efforts and sacrifices of professors who have worked to uphold Kookmin University's honor for over 70 years."

They urged, "Kookmin University must transparently disclose the composition and meeting details of all committees related to the investigation of Ms. Kim’s thesis," and "humbly accept public criticism and provide sufficient explanations so that the investigation process and results can be fully understood."

Furthermore, they requested that the university president and faculty council actively respond to protect the school's honor. They plan to survey the opinions of Kookmin University professors regarding this week’s plagiarism investigation results.

This statement was led by professors who spearheaded a one-person protest in front of the university gate last year when Kookmin University announced it could not conduct a formal investigation into the plagiarism allegations against the First Lady’s thesis.

Earlier, on the 1st of this month, Kookmin University announced the results of a re-investigation into four papers by the First Lady, stating that three papers, including the doctoral dissertation, did not constitute research misconduct, while one journal-published paper was deemed unverifiable.