"Psychologist Who 'Studied at Harvard and UCLA'... Author Shuts Down SNS Amid Credential Falsification Allegations"

Kim Minji, Author of "Wise Parents Keep an Appropriate Distance," Faces Allegations of Falsified Credentials
"Unable to Verify Author's Academic Background or Papers"
Author Shuts Down SNS Accounts After Controversy Goes Public
Gilbut Publishing Issues Apology Statement: "Currently Under Review"

Kim Minji, the author of the book "Wise Parents Keep an Appropriate Distance" (published by Gilbut), has become embroiled in controversy over allegations of falsifying her credentials. Amid claims that her academic background at a prestigious American university was fabricated, Kim Minji has shut down multiple personal social networking service (SNS) accounts that she had previously managed actively.

The suspicions regarding Kim Minji's credentials first emerged online. One internet user pointed out, "I couldn't find any of the author's papers. There is no evidence of her degree or any supporting materials." Previously, promotional materials for "Wise Parents Keep an Appropriate Distance" stated that the author was "a licensed clinical psychologist in the United States, who earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and neuroscience from Harvard University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from UCLA."

There are also suspicions that the recommendations from professors at her alleged alma maters are fabricated. The book's promotional materials included endorsements from Howard Gardner, professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education; David Caruso, research affiliate in emotional intelligence at Yale University; and Dean Keith Simonton, professor of psychology at UC Davis.

On June 9, Gilbut Publishing stated, "We have confirmed that there is controversy surrounding the author's credentials for 'Wise Parents Keep an Appropriate Distance,' which was published by us on January 22, 2025," adding, "We are currently investigating the facts and details, and sales of the book will be suspended until the matter is clarified." While major bookstores have halted sales of the book, some e-book versions remain searchable.

Previously, Kim Minji had actively promoted her book through SNS. Immediately after the book's release, she gave interviews to major media outlets and shared these on her SNS accounts. Currently, most major media articles covering the book and the author have been deleted.

Online, criticism of the author has been accompanied by accusations that the publisher may have been negligent in verifying the author's credentials.

Currently, the publisher is attempting to contact the author, but communication is reportedly not going smoothly. The publisher has not provided any meaningful response to inquiries about the matter.