Former Sungkyunkwan University Law School Professor Accused of Ordering Thesis Ghostwriting Receives Reduced Sentence to Probation in Second Trial

A former professor at Sungkyunkwan University School of Law (Law School), who was indicted for having teaching assistants and instructors ghostwrite theses and was sentenced to imprisonment in the first trial, had his sentence reduced to a suspended prison term in the appellate court.

The Seoul Central District Court Criminal Appeal Division 8-2 (Presiding Judges Choi Hae-il, Choi Jin-sook, Kim Jeong-gon) on the 11th overturned the original verdict that sentenced former professor Noh Mo to imprisonment on charges of obstruction of business, and sentenced him to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 2-year suspension. Additionally, 120 hours of community service were ordered.

The court criticized, "The crime in this case not only violates the conscience and ethics expected of a scholar but also betrays the basic responsibilities that must be upheld." It also noted, "The fact that the defendant instructed those who could not easily refuse his requests or orders to ghostwrite theses, and that he left for the United States anticipating the start of the investigation, are unfavorable circumstances."

However, the court judged, "Considering that the defendant was dismissed from the university as disciplinary action due to this case and has been incarcerated for 8 months so far, the sentence in the first trial was excessively severe."

Former professor Noh, who is a former prosecutor, is accused of mobilizing graduate student teaching assistants and instructors to write the doctoral dissertation published in 2016 at Sungkyunkwan University by prosecutor Jeong Mo, as well as three papers published in academic journals from 2017 to 2018 by Jeong Mo’s sister, former professor Jeong Mo. It is known that Noh had a personal relationship with the siblings’ father.

The first trial sentenced former professor Noh to 1 year and 6 months in prison and ordered his detention in court. At that time, the court pointed out, "The defendant took the lead in having the theses ghostwritten and submitted them to prestigious legal academic journals, enabling former professor Jeong to obtain fraudulent research achievements," and added, "This not only violates the conscience and ethics expected of a scholar but also betrays the basic responsibilities required of a legal professional."